How to Identify and Treat Transfusion Reactions Patients at particular risk for a transfusion reaction include multiparous women, patients who've previously received a transfusion, and patients requiring emergency interventions.
All patients are at equal risk for bacteremia.
Differentiating the cause of a transfusion reaction may take time, so stop the transfusion at once and concentrate on stabilizing the patient. Then follow the general interventions outlined on the following page and the specific interventions listed below. Premedication with an antipyretic may mask febrile reactions. Draw a blood sample to send to lab, where it will be centrifuged to check for plasma hemolysis. Monitor for and treat disseminated intravascular coagulation as needed.