Campaign to Improve Blood Transfusion Outcomes

BCH is looking to improve outcomes in patients undergoing blood transfusion. We know there are risks involved, but what do we really know?

• 1 or 2 of every 100 blood transfusions result in some form of transfusion reaction
• The chances of acquiring an infection increases by 50% with each unit of allogenic blood transfused
• 1 in 350 transfusions is associated with transfusion-related circulatory overload (TACO), which can lead to respiratory problems, HTN, and lung disease.
• 300-500 deaths occur each year from transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).

The Blood Utilization Steering Committee is devising ways we can all work together to update our practices in blood transfusion. Look in the Scoop and here on the blog as more information is available.