Transfusion associated graft versus host disease (TA-GVHD)
Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD) is a rare but often life threatening complication of blood transfusion, characterised by the engraftment and proliferation of donor T lymphocytes in the recipient. This occurs when the recipient's immune system fails to reject transfused lymphocytes, leading to widespread immune-mediated tissue damage.
Notes
- Requires Consultant Haematologist approval
- Performed at NHSBT Birmingham
- Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Diagnostic Laboratory. Form 3A is required to request this test (forms available from Transfusion laboratory or downloaded below)
H&I Request Form (3A) - Platelet Refractoriness / Transfusion Reactions
Sample Requirements
The sample requirements must be discussed with a H&I Consultant at NHSBT, Filton, Bristol
Required Information
NHSBT state that following points of identification MUST be on request form and sample tubes:
- Forename
- Surname
- Date of birth
- Hospital / NHS number
The sample tube(s) must be signed and dated by the person taking the blood.
The sample tube must be in date
NHSBT may decline to test inadequately labelled samples. Unlabelled, incorrectly, altered or inadequately labelled samples will not be accepted.
The following factors are known to significantly affect the performance of the examination or the interpretation of the results: lipaemia, sample clotted (if EDTA), haemolysed. Any sample displaying these factors cannot be processed and will be rejected
Turnaround times
Seven working days
Author: Stuart Lord, Lead Transfusion Practitioner
Reviewed date: 22/04/2025
Next review date: 22/04/2027