To provide informed consent, it’s important you understand the risks.

The most avoidable transfusion risk is being given the wrong blood (meant for someone else). The clinical staff will make careful identification checks before any transfusion to ensure the right blood goes to the right patient.   

Most people feel fine during a transfusion. In fact, many don’t feel any different. Reactions from receiving a transfusion are uncommon, and usually mild.

However, some rare but serious reactions can occur during a transfusion or in the next few weeks.

Signs of a transfusion reaction may include: 

• rash
• hives
• nausea
• chest pain
• high temperature
• dark or decreased amount of urine
• shaking
• itching
• difficulty breathing
• nausea
• vomiting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• pain at the needle site.