Information Sheet: Blood transfusion safety

Overview

Blood transfusion is a vital component of every country’s health care delivery system. It can be a life-saving intervention, but it may also result in acute or delayed complications and carries the risk of the transmission of infections. Between 5% and 10% of HIV infections worldwide are transmitted through the transfusion of infected blood and blood products. Many more recipients of blood products are infected by hepatitis B and C viruses, syphilis and
Chagas disease .