Serological investigation of a haemolytic transfusion reaction

Haemolytic transfusion reactions are the result of antibodies in a recipient's plasma directed against antigens on transfused red cells. This results in rapid intravascular haemolysis of the donor red blood cells. ABO incompatibility due to clerical error is the most frequent cause and results in haemoglobinaemia, haemoglobinuria, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), renal failure and complement-mediated cardiovascular collapse.

Tests to establish if there is any incompatibility between the patient and donor red cells that was not detected on pre-transfusion testing.

Negative (ie. no evidence of transfusion reaction).

Suspected transfusion reactions should be reported to the hospital transfusion team who will guide appropriate investigation as well as incident reporting.
May be referred to the NHS Blood and Transplant service for confirmation if necessary.