ASCP Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The type of transfusion reaction that is characterized by fever and chills is the febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction. This reaction typically occurs when the recipient's immune system reacts against the white blood cells or other components in the transfused blood product. The symptoms of fever and chills can occur in response to pyrogens, which are substances that induce fever.

In contrast, hemolytic transfusion reactions primarily involve hemolysis of red blood cells due to incompatibility, which usually presents with symptoms such as back pain, dark urine, and potentially more severe systemic responses. Allergic transfusion reactions typically involve hives and itching rather than systemic fever. Transfusion-related acute lung injury is characterized by respiratory distress and pulmonary edema, differing significantly from the fever and chills associated with febrile non-hemolytic reactions.

Understanding the distinct characteristics of these reactions helps practitioners to accurately identify, manage, and report adverse effects from blood transfusions.