ABSTRACT
The blood collection and processing services in England are usually separate from the services in the hospitals where blood is matched for transfusion to specific patients. Non-haemolytic febrile transfusion reactions are common with standard platelet concentrates. The blood collection and processing services in England are usually separate from the services in the hospitals where blood is matched for transfusion to specific patients. The ingress of viable incompatible immune-competent cells during transfusion will usually be dealt with by the patient’s immune system. Platelet antigens, deriving from genetic polymorphisms among surface glycoproteins, can give rise to antibodies, complicating transfusion. Tests for anti-immunoglobulin A (IgA) should be included for all such cases with the first transfusion, even of red cells in optimal additive, since enough IgA is present in the residual plasma to cause reactions. Serological tests for syphilis are mandatory in most transfusion services, but their value is somewhat limited.
