Journal issues > Issue 5, September 2017 > Massive clotting in red cell concentrates during transfusion is caused by backflow of patient blood

Massive clotting in red cell concentrates during transfusion is caused by backflow of patient blood

By: B. Van Aelst PhD, J. Coene MD, H.B. Feys PhD, M.P. Emonds MD, PhD, K. Van Poucke MD, J. Moerman MD, E. Verhoye MPharm , Prof V. Compernolle PhD

SUMMARY

We report three cases of massive ex vivo coagulation in a leukocyte depleted red cell concentrate during transfusion. Molecular blood typing indicated that patient blood was present in the filter housing of the infusion set and/or in the blood bag itself. Together with the history of events, this suggested that the observed clotting was caused by backflow of patient blood. Therefore, we recommend maintaining the blood bag above heart level during the entire transfusion procedure, until the infusion set is removed.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(5):195–7)

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