What is the most common complication of blood transfusion?

Dec 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Feng

Introduction

There is no such thing as "the most common complication of blood transfusion." Common complications of blood transfusion include febrile reactions, allergic reactions, hemolytic reactions, circulatory overload, and transmission of infections. If any discomfort occurs during or after a blood transfusion, medical staff should be informed immediately for prompt management. These complications often appear within 1–2 hours after the transfusion.

　　1. Febrile reaction: A common complication, usually occurring within 1–2 hours after transfusion, characterized by fever and chills, possibly related to contaminated transfusion equipment or the recipient's immune response.

　　2. Allergic reaction: Often presents as skin itching and urticaria (hives); severe cases may involve laryngeal edema and difficulty breathing, typically triggered by an allergy to protein components in the blood.

　　3. Hemolytic reaction: A serious complication usually caused by incompatible blood types, presenting as chills, high fever, back pain, and hemoglobinuria; it can be life-threatening in severe cases.

　　4. Circulatory overload: Commonly seen in elderly patients or those with impaired cardiac function, caused by rapid infusion rate or excessive blood volume, manifesting as dyspnea, chest tightness, and coughing up pink frothy sputum.

　　5. Transmission of infections: May transmit diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. Although the risk is low, it is associated with screening, storage, and transportation of blood products.

　　After blood transfusion, rest in bed briefly and avoid strenuous activity. Monitor your condition closely, keep the puncture site clean and dry to prevent infection, and avoid contact with water. Follow a light, easily digestible diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods to support recovery.

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What precautions should be taken during blood transfusion?

In general, key considerations during blood transfusion mainly include strict verification of information, control of transfusion rate, close monitoring for reactions, adherence to standardized procedures, and proper handling of blood products. Prior to transfusion, two medical personnel must jointly verify the patient's name, gender, age, hospital number, blood type, blood bag number, and blood component type to ensure complete consistency of all information and prevent serious adverse reactions due to transfusion errors.

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Is blood transfusion useful for anemia?

Whether blood transfusion is effective for anemia depends on the specific situation. In cases of severe anemia or emergency symptoms, blood transfusion can rapidly alleviate the condition. However, for mild to moderate anemia without significant discomfort, transfusion is not necessary, and treating the underlying cause takes priority. Daily care should focus on targeted management of the cause; individuals with nutritional deficiencies should maintain a balanced diet and supplement the required nutrients.

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Which blood type is prone to hemolysis?

In blood transfusion scenarios, type O red blood cells lack A and B antigens, but the plasma contains anti-A and anti-B antibodies. If a type O patient receives type A, B, or AB blood, the antibodies in the plasma may bind to the antigens on the transfused red blood cells, triggering a hemolytic reaction. Conversely, when type O blood is given by a donor to a non-type O recipient, the antibodies in the donor's plasma may also attack the recipient's red blood cells.