Transfusion Reaction Work-up Plus Hemolytic, Febrile, and Allergic Transfusion Reactions

Respiratory transfusion reactions occur less frequently than allergic or febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions; however, they account for the highest number of transfusion-related fatalities, as actively reported to the FDA in the United States. They are also likely to occur at a rate of 5 to10 times more frequently than the rate currently being passively reported. Careful assessment of patients before, during, and after transfusion is key to mitigating and treating respiratory transfusion reactions. This case-based educational review of transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) covers the basics of these entities with a practical approach to clinical understanding.

Presented by
Joel Addams, MD
Assistant Professor (Clinical), Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah Medical Director, Transfusion Medicine, ARUP Laboratories

Erica Swenson, DO
Assistant Professor (Clinical), Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah Medical Director, Transfusion Medicine, ARUP Laboratories


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Comments and Feedback

To provide the highest quality information and educational content, we welcome your comments and feedback. We would also like to extend the invitation and encourage you to collaborate with us to create new content as we work to enhance the value of this resource to all MLS programs. Feel free to contact:

Alyssa Peña, MLS(ASCP)CM
800-242-2787 ext. 3952
Distance Education Coordinator
ARUP Laboratories