Currently, donating and receiving blood is very safe, because before carrying out the transfusion it is necessary to analyze the donor's blood, making a specific blood test and, therefore, developing contagious diseases, such as AIDS or Hepatitis is very rare. Find out who can be a donor at: Who can donate blood.
However, when making a blood transfusion there are some risks, such as:
- Infection caused by bacteria; Pulmonary embolism; Hypothermia, which is a decrease in body temperature; Fever; Allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty in breathing; Post-transfusion purpura; Cardiac arrhythmia; Changes in potassium values, causing hypocalcemia or hypokalemia.
All of these situations can occur after a transfusion and, therefore, it is essential that the patient is accompanied by a nurse while making the transfusion and during the first hours.
In addition, when a transfusion complication occurs, it is necessary to treat it immediately to avoid the risk of death.
See how the transfusion is done in: Blood transfusion.
