Just under 0.01 per cent of all blood transfusions carried out in this country last year resulted in adverse events or reactions according to the annual report from the National Haemovigilance Office (NHO).
The report, which was published today, said over 168,000 units of red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate were issued in 2002 with just 155 cases of adverse events or reactions reported to the National Haemovigilance Office. Human error was blamed for 87 out of the 155 cases.
Dr Emer Lawlor director of the NHO, said "serious adverse events are rare, especially when compared to the large number of transfusions given in Irish hospitals.
"[However,] highlighting such events raises awareness, which will assist in a reduction of the likelihood of such events and errors being repeated."
At the launch of the report, the acting chief executive of the Irish Transfusion Service Board (IBTS) Mr Andy Kelly praised the high level of participation by hospitals, 93 per cent in 2002, in the programme.
"This participation is a testament to increased vigilance and awareness of the national haemovigilance programme by healthcare professionals," Mr Kelly said.
The NHO was established by the IBTS as part of the recommendations of the Finlay Tribunal. The purpose of a haemovigilance programme is to identify unexpected or undesirable effects of transfusion of blood components by ensuring they are reported in a timely and reliable manner. It was officially launched in 1999.
