Page 16 of 28
PA21.1-6 | Welcome to Transfusion Reactions & Investigation
Learning Objectives
- Classify transfusion reactions as acute (<24 h) vs delayed and immune vs non-immune.
- Describe the pathophysiology, clinical features, and consequences of acute haemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR).
- Explain febrile non-haemolytic, allergic, anaphylactic, and TRALI reactions.
- Distinguish acute non-immune reactions: TACO, septic, and metabolic.
- Identify delayed reactions: delayed haemolytic, TA-GVHD, iron overload, and post-transfusion purpura.
- Enumerate the stepwise investigation of a suspected transfusion reaction in correct order.
- Appreciate preventability — especially of ABO AHTR through bedside clerical checks.
INSTRUCTIONS
Every unit of blood is a biological transplant — and like any transplant, it carries the risk of rejection and adverse reactions. Transfusion reactions span from the trivial (mild urticaria) to the catastrophic (ABO haemolysis with DIC). As a clinician you will both administer transfusions and be first to recognise when something goes wrong. This module equips you with a classification framework, the ability to explain key mechanisms, and a practised response algorithm — skills that directly protect your patients.
References
- Robbins & Kumar, Basic Pathology, 11th ed., Ch 11 (Red Cell Disorders) (textbook)
- Harsh Mohan, Textbook of Pathology, 8th ed., Ch 12 (textbook)
- AABB Technical Manual, 20th ed. (textbook)
Version 2.0 | NMC CBUC 2024