What is the purpose of collecting blood and urine specimens during suspected transfusion reaction?

• A. To analyze for incompatibility and to identify the reaction
• B. To assess kidney function only
• C. To measure cholesterol levels
• D. To perform genetic testing

Answer: (A)

When a transfusion reaction is suspected, collecting blood and urine helps confirm that a reaction is happening and pinpoint its cause. Blood samples from the patient (and, if possible, from the transfused unit) are used for post-transfusion testing to check compatibility—ABO/Rh typing and crossmatching—and to perform a direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test to see if antibodies are coating donor or patient red cells. A positive direct test with evidence of hemolysis supports an acute hemolytic reaction due to incompatibility.

Urine is checked for hemoglobinuria, which indicates intravascular hemolysis, and bilirubin or other labs may support the diagnosis of a hemolytic process. Together, these specimens distinguish immune-mediated hemolytic reactions from other transfusion reactions and guide urgent management and future transfusion safety.

This approach focuses on detecting incompatibility and identifying the reaction, rather than assessing unrelated things like cholesterol or genetic testing.