AABB Guide to the Laboratory Evaluation of Transfusion Reactions

By Wen Lu, MD; Peter R. Pelletier, MD; Kathleen Puca, MD; Glenn Ramsey, MD; and NurJehan Quraishy, MD for the Transfusion Medicine Section Coordinating Committee The evaluation and diagnosis of a suspected transfusion reaction is a matter of clinical judgment by a physician trained in adverse effects of transfusion. Negative testing results do not always exclude a reaction if there is strong suspicion that the patient’s symptoms are related to blood transfusion. The laboratory evaluation of these events is critical not only for the patient’s health, but also for corrective and preventive actions that are part of process improvement. Contents of this updated reference, the AABB Guide to the Laboratory Evaluation of Transfusion Reactions include step-by-step guidance for: Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload Allergic/Anaphylactic Reactions Septic Transfusion Reactions Posttransfusion Purpura Iron Overload Transfusion-Associated Graft-vs-Host-Disease Includes an extremely useful Appendix summarizing common acute and delayed transfusion reactions with their associated primary symptoms, additional symptoms, usual timing of onset, initial laboratory evaluation, and confirmatory/supplemental evaluations. DIGITAL EDITION: AABB, 2021