Making Blood Transfusions Safer

Blood transfusion reactions, which can be potentially devastating, occur in more than 10 percent of veterinary patients receiving blood products. Researchers will evaluate levels of pro-inflammatory molecules that develop during blood storage and transfusion and will then test specialized filters that may decrease levels of these molecules, thereby reducing transfusion reactions. The results of this study will be used to enhance blood banking and transfusion protocols that will allow veterinarians to minimize the frequency and severity of transfusion reactions in dogs.