Transfusion reaction

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

(Page 2)

Surface proteins causing rejection

The immune system attacks the donated blood cells, causing them to burst. This may cause serious symptoms, including kidney failure and shock. Antigens also occur on other blood components, including white blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins.

These components also cause a similar type of transfusion reaction. Alternatively, antibodies in the transfused blood can bind to the patient's own blood cells, also causing a reaction.

Today, all blood is carefully screened. Modern lab methods and redundant checks have helped make transfusion reactions extremely rare.

Review Date: 02/01/2005
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.