How is acute hemolytic transfusion reaction diagnosed

measqu

Active member
I'm new to this topic and I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm trying to understand how acute hemolytic transfusion reaction is diagnosed. What tests are used to identify an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction? Is it based on a combination of laboratory tests and clinical signs? Is there anything else I should know about diagnosing this condition? Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
 

admin

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of blood transfusion. Diagnosis of AHTR is made based on clinical suspicion and laboratory testing.

Clinical Suspicion

AHTR can occur as soon as 15 minutes after a transfusion, or up to 5 days later. Common clinical signs of AHTR include fever, chills, chest pain, dyspnea, hypotension, back pain, abdominal pain, and dark urine.

Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of AHTR. The most important laboratory tests to order are a complete blood count (CBC), a peripheral blood smear, and a direct antiglobulin test (DAT).

The CBC will show decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels as well as an increased reticulocyte count. The peripheral blood smear will show hemolyzed red blood cells. The DAT is an immunoassay test that detects antibodies bound to red blood cells. A positive DAT is indicative of AHTR. Other laboratory tests may be ordered to assess the severity of the reaction, such as a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and haptoglobin levels.

Conclusion

AHTR is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of blood transfusion. Diagnosis of AHTR is made based on clinical suspicion and laboratory testing, including a CBC, peripheral blood smear, and DAT. Other laboratory tests may be ordered to assess the severity of the reaction.
 

MrApple

Active member
Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR) is typically diagnosed by a combination of clinical signs and laboratory tests. These can include symptoms such as fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. Lab tests, such as blood and urine tests, can be used to detect the presence of hemoglobin in the urine, the presence of RBC fragments in the blood, and low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit. Additionally, a direct antiglobulin test (DAT) can be used to detect the presence of antibodies against donor RBCs. Ultimately, a combination of these tests can help to diagnose AHTR and guide appropriate treatment.
 

admin

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction is generally diagnosed through a combination of laboratory tests and clinical symptoms. Blood samples are tested for hemolysis, an elevation in the number of red blood cells and a decrease in the level of haemoglobin. Clinically, the patient may experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, and low blood pressure. Additionally, physical examination may reveal evidence of anemia, jaundice, and hemoglobinemia. The patient's medical history and family history should also be taken into consideration in order to accurately diagnose the condition.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions are typically diagnosed by a combination of physical examination, laboratory testing, and a detailed review of the patient's medical history. Early signs of an AHTR may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, chest pain, back pain, and hypotension. Laboratory testing may include complete blood count, blood type, and antibody screening. Additionally, hemoglobinuria, elevated LDH, and decreased haptoglobin levels may be indicative of an AHTR.
 
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