Chapters authored
Wrong Blood Type: Transfusion Reaction
Blood products are frequently required in an inpatient setting for a number of serious conditions. It is of the utmost importance that providers are aware of the potential for adverse reactions and human error when ordering or administering these products. Patients who require blood products should have a signed informed consent form and a type and screen performed prior to transfusion. The patient’s identity should be confirmed using two patient identifiers. There are two major categories for blood transfusion reactions, immune-mediated and nonimmune-mediated. Common manifestations of a transfusion reaction are nonspecific and may be attributed to a patient’s other medical problems, so the index of suspicion must be high in order to identify and treat these reactions.
Part of the book: Vignettes in Patient Safety