National Blood Service Warns Against Unsafe Blood Transfusions
National Blood Service urges patients to rely only on accredited hospital blood banks.
- Wrong blood type can be life-threatening.
- Public warned against unapproved blood sellers.
- Use accredited hospital blood banks only.
The National Blood Service has cautioned the public that receiving the wrong blood type during a transfusion can cause severe and potentially fatal complications. Senior Laboratory Physician Dr. Williams Ansah-Otu said incompatible blood can trigger an acute haemolytic transfusion reaction, which may result in kidney failure, shock, coma, or death.
Dr. Ansah-Otu explained that the body’s red blood cells attack incompatible blood during a transfusion, causing the donated blood cells to break down. This process, known as haemolysis, reduces the body’s ability to transport oxygen and can quickly become life-threatening if not properly managed.
He also expressed concern about the growing practice of people selling blood around hospitals without proper screening or approval. According to him, some individuals approach patients’ relatives and offer blood of unknown origin, while there have also been reports of blood being stolen from hospital storage facilities and presented to patients.
Dr. Ansah-Otu stressed that blood obtained through such unofficial channels may not have undergone the necessary safety checks, putting patients at serious risk of infections and incompatible transfusions. He said the National Blood Service is working to curb these illegal practices and improve the safety of blood supplies.
He advised the public to obtain blood only through accredited hospital blood banks and avoid dealing with unauthorized blood sellers. He emphasized that following the proper procedures is essential to ensuring safe transfusions and protecting patients’ lives.
