Infections
Blood transfusions can transmit infections
caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The chance of getting an
infection from blood in the United States is extremely low, but the
exact risk for each type of infection varies. Testing units of blood for
germs that can cause infection has made the blood supply very safe, but
no test is 100% accurate.
Bacterial contamination
Rarely, blood gets contaminated with tiny
amounts of skin bacteria during donation. Platelets are the most likely
blood component to have this problem. Because platelets must be stored
at room temperature, these bacteria can grow quickly. (Other components
are refrigerated or frozen.) Patients who get these platelets may
develop a serious illness minutes or hours after the transfusion starts.
Blood banks routinely test platelets and
destroy units of blood that are likely to cause harm. The tests are
still being refined, but today fewer cases of illness are caused by
platelets. Also, more hospitals use single donor platelets, which have a
lower risk of bacterial contamination than pooled platelets.
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