- bacteria infection
- viral infection (hep C 1in400; HIV 1in1million)
- prion disease
- malaria
- transfusion related acute lung injury
- transfusion related immune modulation (cytokines released by white cells)
- blood group mismatch (ABO incompatibility)
- anaphylaxis
- hypercalcaemia (citrate binds to Ca++)
- hyperkalaemia (transfusion of loads of old blood)
- preservatives (leading to acidosis)
- hyperthermia (?)
- Hb can poison kidneys
- coagulopathy
- fluid overload
