Diagnosing transfusion reactions involves a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory tests:
- Immediate Clinical Assessment: Observing symptoms and vital signs during and after the transfusion.
- Laboratory Tests: Includes a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, and direct antiglobulin test (DAT) to detect hemolysis.
- Blood Cultures: To rule out bacterial contamination.
- Chest X-ray or CT Scan: For assessing respiratory symptoms in suspected TRALI or TACO.
- Urinalysis: To check for hemoglobinuria in hemolytic reactions.