Investigation - Transfusion-Associated Graft-vs- Host Disease (TA-GVHD)

Transfusion services should have clear policies describing the required investigation transfusion complications.

An investigation will only be initiated if the treating physician is aware of this possibility in a susceptible patient with a clinical picture suggestive of Transfusion-Associated Graft vs. Host Disease (TA-GVHD).

The investigation begins with the confirmation of the presence of GVHD. This is a pathologic diagnosis requiring a skin or intestinal biopsy. If GVHD is present, further studies should be performed to confirm the engraftment of donor lymphocytes.