AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -All donated blood is screened and tested for potential viruses, bacteria, and parasites. However, occasionally these agents can still infect a patient after a transfusion. The risk of catching a virus or any other blood-borne infection from a blood transfusion is very low.

Detailed explanation-2: -Blood transfusions are generally considered safe, but there is some risk of complications. Mild complications and rarely severe ones can occur during the transfusion or several days or more after. More common reactions include allergic reactions, which might cause hives and itching, and fever.

Detailed explanation-3: -Delayed Hemolytic Reaction Some patients have a fever and/or jaundice (yellow skin) and pass dark urine. As the patient’s body destroys the transfused red blood cells, the patient’s red blood cell count drops. In rare cases, this reaction can damage the kidneys.

Detailed explanation-4: -For the past several years, bacterial contamination of platelets has been the greatest transfusion-transmitted infectious risk in the United States. This risk has been significantly higher than the risk of transfusion-transmitted viral infection.