What are the risks of blood transfusions?
The risks associated with surgery itself are higher than blood related risks. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most often mentioned fear related to blood transfusions. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus associated with AIDS. Blood from persons who have been exposed to HIV can transmit the infection. However, the donor screening and laboratory testing procedures now being used for all blood donations have been very effective in screening out donors who test positive for exposure to HIV. The current risk is estimated at 1:50,000 to 1:104,000 per unit of blood, including screened blood. Hepatitis B and C: Tests now used on donated blood have markedly reduced Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C associated with blood transfusions. Even though new tests are constantly being researched, there is still a small risk of transfusion-associated hepatitis. It is still possible that the hepatitis virus may be present in a donation and not be detected by the test currently avail
