ABO incompatible transfusions-experience from the UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) scheme

The Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) scheme has now accumulated 8 years' data. The most frequently occurring adverse event, accounting for 1832/2628 (70%) of incidents reported, is 'incorrect blood component transfused' (IBCT) in which the patient receives a blood component that did not meet the correct specification or that was intended for another patient. Errors can occur at all stages of the transfusion chain and, in about half of cases, multiple system failures can be identified. Analysis of 130 ABO incompatible transfusions reported between 1999 and 2003 identified 221 separate errors, 68% of which took place in clinical areas and 29% in hospital laboratories. The commonest single error is failure to check at the bedside that the right blood is being given to the right patient. Certain patients, e.g. neonates, those transfused at night and in critical care situations, appear to be particularly vulnerable. It is encouraging that, against a background of ever increasing numbers year-on-year of reports of IBCT, the incidence of ABO incompatible transfusions already shows a downward trend, suggesting the emergence of a safety culture.