Signs of Blood Transfusion Reaction

Signs of Blood Transfusion Reaction

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Description

Your child had a blood or a blood product transfusion.  It may have been:

  • Red blood cells
  • Platelets
  • Clotting factors 
  • Immune globulin  

Sometimes, a transfusion may cause a reaction.  Most often it will happen during the transfusion or during the first 24 hours after the transfusion.

Reactions

Possible reactions include: 

  • Chills or shaking.
  • Changes in blood pressure 
    (high or low) Fever of 101.3 F (38.5 C) or higher.
  • Feel faint or not feeling well.
  • Vomiting
  • Headache.
  • Pink or red urine.
  • Hard to breathe or cough.
  • Stomach, side or back pain.
  • Skin rash.
  • Red, raised areas on the skin on the body.  These may be hives or welts and may itch.
  • Change in urine color.

If your child has one or more of these or other problems, call the doctor or nurse right away.

Special directions

  • If your child had a reaction to a blood transfusion in the past, it is important to tell your child’s doctor and nurse before they have another transfusion.
  • Tell your child’s doctor and nurse about any medicines your child takes before blood transfusions.