What is a Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion reaction?
CAUSE: Pre-existing low titer antibody in the patient that is undetectable by routine testing. Subsequent transfusion of blood with an antigen specific for this low titer antibody results in hemolysis. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and anemia TIMEFRAME: 4-8 days or as much as 2 weeks after transfusion NURSE’S ROLE: give patient post transfusion instructions TREATMENT: repeat CBC, blood sample for blood bank, transfusion, renal function monitoring, and fluid loading to promote diuresis A Delayed Hemolytic Reaction is a hemolytic transfusion reaction that occurs about 4-8 days after the blood transfusion. They occur in patients who have developed antibodies from previous transfusion or pregnancy but, at the time of pretransfusion testing, the antibody in question is too weak to be detected by standard procedures. Subsequent transfusion with red cells having the corresponding antigen results in an antibody response and slow extravascular hemolysis of the transfused red cel
