TTBI

 Q: The risk of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection (TTBI) is increased by the longer shelf life of blood products. 

A) True 

B) False 

 Answer: A

Although increased storage time of blood products may increase the risk of TTBI, it should not prompt the clinicians to ask for fresh blood products from a blood bank, which can create a massive disruption of blood supplies. 

Said that in the case of documented TTBI, all factors should be identified including the shelf life of the product.

It is impossible to distinguish TTBI and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. A protocol in any such event should be promptly initiated to support patient's hemodynamic and to determine the cause of either TTBI or hemolytic reaction. Being a clinician at the bedside, it should be ensured that blood workup ordered such as culture, Coombs test, plasma-free hemoglobin, and type/crossmatch should be drawn from the arm other than the arm with IV infusion. In case of central line infusion, an attempt should be made to draw blood from the peripheral site away from the central line site.

#hematology

#ID

References:

1. Dellinger EP, Anaya DA. Infectious and immunologic consequences of blood transfusion. Crit Care 2004; 8 Suppl 2:S18. 

2. Wagner SJ. Transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection: risks, sources and interventions. Vox Sang. 2004 Apr;86(3):157-63. doi: 10.1111/j.0042-9007.2004.00410.x. PMID: 15078249.

3. Suddock JT, Crookston KP. Transfusion Reactions. 2021 Aug 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan–. PMID: 29489247.