AETIOLOGY Bacteraemia
	INCIDENCE Unusual
	CLINICAL CULTURE Characterised by flushing and dryness of skin, symptoms may appear rapidly after starting the transfusion or within 30 minutes after completion. They include : shock, hyperpyrexia, severe toxemia, bleeding diathesis, muscle pain, abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, haeoglobinuria, renal failure.
	MANAGEMENT 1. Stop transfusion. 2. Use broadspectrum antibiotics i/v. 3. Treat for shock by steroids, vasopressors, fluid support, respiratory support and maintenance of reneal function as necessary.
	PREVENTION Minimise storage of blood or components outside the blood bank. Do not warm blood prior to transfusion unless it is to be 'pumped' in.