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Table 34-2

Treatment of Suspected Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction

  • Stop transfusion, check label on blood bag with patient wristband, and frequently monitor patient’s vital signs.

  • Send remaining donor blood and fresh patient sample to the blood bank for analysis.

  • Send patient sample to laboratory for CBC, LDH, and DIC screen.

  • Treat hypotension with fluids and/or vasopressors as necessary.

  • Consider use of corticosteroids.

  • Consider measures to preserve renal function and maintain brisk urine output (intravenous fluid, furosemide).

  • Monitor patient for DIC.

CBC, complete blood count; DIC, disseminated intravascular coagulation; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase.