The Trouble with Transfusions

Blood loss during surgery and its subsequent treatment through blood transfusion can lead to serious problems for patients, physicians and hospitals alike. Periodic shortages, transfusion reactions and increased risks of bacterial infections mean that while today’s blood supply is very safe, blood transfusions are not risk-free.

Shortages

The demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations, with shortages of all blood types typically occurring during the summer and winter holidays.¹ A recent report indicated that 8.4% of surveyed U.S. hospitals had postponed elective surgery on one or more days in 2004 because of blood inventory shortages.²

Transfusion Reactions

Receiving a blood transfusion is not unlike receiving an organ transplant. Both are procedures that can save a life, but may also produce unintended reactions. The most common adverse events following a blood transfusion include fever and shortness of breath that may last for up to 6 hours. Other complications may include viral infections or transfusion-associated acute lung injury (TRALI).³

Bacterial Infections

Due to the immunosuppressive effects of donated blood, patients receiving transfusions following surgery are at a higher risk of developing a bacterial infection.³

What effect does this have on the bottom line for hospitals and their patients? Let’s explore The True Cost of Blood.

References

1. The American Red Cross
2. American Association for Blood Banks. The 2005 nationwide blood collection and utilization survey report. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
3. A New Look at Blood Transfusion: Evaluation of the risks and benefits prompts careful blood management. Joint Commission Perspectives on Patient Safety, January 2007, Volume 7, Issue 1.