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After a transfusion: what to watch for

Most reactions happen during the transfusion, and staff notice them straight away. But some appear hours or days later, so simple observation at home matters.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An open notebook and a phone on a bed
Figure 1.After a transfusion, note any symptoms and keep the phone close

01Short answer

Through the day and the following days, notice how you feel: a temperature, chills, a rash or itching, breathlessness, chest or back pain, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual tiredness. If your team asks, take and record your temperature. Drink enough water (unless you have a limit). For any unexpected symptom, call your team and say you have had a transfusion. Severe breathlessness, chest pain or fainting need emergency care.

02Simple explanation

Notice how you feel.

Record your temperature.

Dark urine: tell us.

Severe symptom: emergency.

03Scientific explanation

MedlinePlus: haemolytic and other reactions can occur right after a transfusion or later; signs include fever, back pain and dark urine.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Delayed haemolysis

Antibodies can break down transfused cells days later.

Allergy

Itching and a rash are the most common mild reaction.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Delayed haemolysisAntibodies can break down transfused cells days later.
AllergyItching and a rash are the most common mild reaction.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Haemolysis
The breakdown of red cells.
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Notice.
  • Record.
  • Call.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

I feel a little tired; is that normal?

It can be; if it gets worse or other symptoms appear, tell us.

I have a rash.

Call your team; do not take medicines on your own.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. I feel a little tired; is that normal?

  2. I have a rash.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Blood transfusions
  2. MedlinePlus. Hemolytic transfusion reaction
  3. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  6. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  7. NHS. Blood transfusion
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Psychological Stress and Cancer
  9. American Cancer Society. What a Cancer Caregiver Does
  10. Blood Cancer UK. Preventing infection
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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