Generally adverse reactions of blood transfusion are (1) non immune mediated and (2) immune mediated. Fortunately the common adverse reactions that occurs after blood transfusion are mild and serious adverse reactions occur only rarely, if ever.

The blood transfusion may also be complicated by transmission of infectious agents, such as virus, bacteria, and other infectious agents. Fortunately the transmission of infectious agents is also rare, especially viral transmissions are becoming rarer due to pretransfusion screening of donor’s blood.

What are the non immune mediated adverse reactions that can occur?

The non immune mediated adverse reactions that can occur after transfusion of blood and blood components are volume overload, hypothermia (subnormal body temperature), electrolyte imbalance (mainly toxicity), iron overload, hypotensive reactions and immunomodulation etc.

Consumption of alcohol by humans dates back to thousands of years in history. It is difficult to know the exact date when alcohol was invented and its consumption started. In the mythological stories of different countries, there are mentions about alcohol. Alcohol has become part of cultures in many communities. Alcohol is taken to celebrate and alcohol is also taken in sorrow and probably no other substance has this unique distinction.

Mechanism of intoxication of ethyl alcohol:

Different experts on the subject may explain the mechanism of intoxication caused by ethyl alcohol in different ways. I believe the main cause of intoxication after alcohol consumption, is the way alcohol is metabolized in our body. The effect of alcohol in the central nervous system (CNS) is stimulatory as well as depressive.