Prevention - Acute Non-Immune Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions

Non-immune hemolytic transfusion reactions are usually due to errors involving handling, storage, and administration of blood components.

The best prevention involves education of all staff involved in administration of blood components to correctly follow protocols for the handling, storage and administration of blood components.

Support personnel involved in prevention of this type of transfusion reaction include:

• Messengers transporting components from the hospital transfusion service to the patient location. An education program should be developed to ensure they are aware of the handling requirements for blood components in transit.
• Transportation personnel handling blood components between the donor centre and the hospital transfusion service.
• Ambulance personnel handling blood components that are transported with patients between facilities.

See these resources:

• Visual inspection and transportation
• Storage
• Administration, including
  - Equipment, blood warmers, and rapid infusion devices
  - IV solutions and medications
  - Infusion and monitoring