Transfusion Reactions: Risks of Receiving Incorrect Blood Type

If a person receives a blood transfusion with the wrong blood type, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called a transfusion reaction. Transfusion reactions occur when the recipient's immune system recognizes the transfused blood as foreign and attacks it. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:

- Fever

- Chills

- Hives

- Shortness of breath

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Confusion

- Seizures

- Loss of consciousness

In severe cases, a transfusion reaction can lead to kidney failure, liver failure, and even death.

To prevent transfusion reactions, blood banks carefully match the blood type of the donor and the recipient. This is done by testing the donor's blood to determine its type and by cross-matching the donor's blood with the recipient's blood to make sure that they are compatible.