BloodBulletin

Transfusion Risk
Estimated risks in transfusion per unit transfused in the U.S.A.

Infectious Agent Estimated Risk

Virus
HIV-1 and HIV-2 1 in 2,000,000 to 3,000,000
HTLV-I and HTLV-II 1 in 641,000
Hepatitis B 1 in 100,000 to 200,000
Hepatitis C 1 in 1,000,000 to 2,000,000
Malaria 1 in 4,000,000
Bacterial Contamination 1 in 5,000,000

Non-Infectious Agent Estimated Risk

Febrile Reaction 1 in 300
RBC Alloimmunization 1 in 100
Mistransfusion 1 in 14,000 to 19,000
TRALI 1 in 5,000
Urticaria or Other Cutaneous Reaction 1 in 50 to100
Haemolytic Reaction 1 in 6,000
Fatal Haemolysis 1 in 1,000,000
Anaphylaxis 1 in 20,000 to 50,000
GvHD uncommon
Immunomodulation unknown
Source: Klein HG, Spahn DR, Carson JL. Red blood cell transfusion in clinical practice. Lancet (2007) 370: 415-426.

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