Tareq Abadl: Post-Transfusion Reactions – Can You Identify the Cause?
Tareq Abadl, Medical Lab Specialist, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Post-Transfusion Reactions: Can You Identify the Cause?
Not all post-transfusion reactions are the same.
As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, recognizing the type of reaction is essential because the laboratory plays a critical role in the investigation.
Common Post-Transfusion Reactions:
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (AHTR)
Usually caused by ABO incompatibility.
Symptoms: Fever, chills, back pain, hypotension, hemoglobinuria.
Medical emergency requiring immediate investigation.
Febrile Non-Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (FNHTR)
Caused by cytokines or recipient antibodies reacting with donor leukocytes.
Symptoms: Fever (≥1°C increase) and chills without evidence of hemolysis.
One of the most common transfusion reactions.
Allergic Transfusion Reaction
Caused by hypersensitivity to donor plasma proteins.
Symptoms: Itching, urticaria, and skin rash.
Usually mild but should always be assessed.
Blood Bank Investigation May Include:
- Stop the transfusion immediately.
- Perform a clerical check.
- Repeat ABO/Rh testing.
- Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT).
- Inspect plasma for hemolysis.
- Additional testing as clinically indicated.
Remember: Every suspected transfusion reaction must be investigated—even when compatibility testing is acceptable.
Early recognition and prompt laboratory investigation are essential for patient safety.”
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