There is no proof that directed donors are safer than volunteer donors. Not all directed donor blood will be compatible with the patient s blood. Most transfusions are performed without any problems. Mild side effects may include symptoms of an allergic reaction such as headache, fever, itching, increased breathing effort, or rash. This type of reaction can usually be treated with medication, should your child require additional transfusions.
Serious reactions are rare.
The most common serious side effect is serum hepatitis, an infection of the liver. Transfusion with blood of the wrong type can be fatal, but this is highly unlikely to occur. Click here to view the Online Resources page of this Web. Copyright 2000 Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. All rights reserved.