Introduction
This leaflet provides important advice for patients who have had a blood transfusion and are being discharged from hospital less than 24 hours after the transfusion is completed.
Are there any side effects from having a blood transfusion?
You recently received a blood transfusion in hospital. During this procedure you were observed for any signs of a transfusion reaction. Now that you are going home, you need to know that there is a very small risk of developing a delayed transfusion reaction. These are usually mild in nature and cause very few problems but it is important to report any unusual or unexpected symptoms to your doctor or nurse.
What should I look out for?
Most delayed reactions occur within 24 hours of the transfusion but can, very occasionally, develop up to 14 days later. If you unexpectedly experience any of the following symptoms, please contact the ward or department where you had your blood transfusion. Alternatively, contact NHS 111 or your GP as soon as possible. In the rare event of an emergency (life-threatening problems, for example difficulty with breathing) call 999 for an ambulance and bring this leaflet with you:
- A high temperature – feeling feverish, hot and clammy or shivering and chills
- Breathing problems or wheeziness
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Swelling of any part of the body especially around the mouth, lips or face
- Extreme tiredness or generally feeling unwell
- Blood in your urine or passing much less, or very dark urine
- Itchy skin rash
- Pain in the limbs, chest or tummy, or in the lower back (loin pain)
- Unexpected or unexplained bruising
- Jaundice (yellow colour of the white of your eyes or skin)
Why do I need to tell someone?
It is possible that a transfusion reaction can make you feel very unwell and if left untreated can become quite serious. You may need to be readmitted to hospital for further treatment.
Further Information
If you would like further information or advice about other aspects of blood transfusion you can contact one of the Specialist Practitioners of Transfusion (Contactable via the Hospital switchboard).
If you are interested in finding out more about blood transfusion generally and have access to the internet, you may find the following website useful:
National Blood Service: www.blood.co.uk
Any Comments, Compliments, Concerns or Complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
Review Information
Date of Issue: 8 April 2024
Review period: 8 April 2027
