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.

Many countries have strict rules regarding HIV positive and symptomatic AIDS patients and do not allow entry to their countries, although there is no data which suggests that these restrictions can/have reduced HIV transmission. In general HIV testing is required who wish to study/work abroad or wish to stay for more than 3 months. Some countries do not accept any HIV testing done in the traveler’s home country and border/airport officials have power to send back the traveler if they find any anti-retroviral medication (such as zidovudin) with the traveler. Some countries accept HIV testing report of less than 6 months old. If you are traveling to a particular country, you should get the latest information (because the rules may be changed frequently) on HIV testing requirement from the particular country’s embassy.