Risks of transfusion and organ and tissue transplantation: practical concerns that drive practical policies.

The risks and other adverse effects associated with blood transfusion and tissue and organ transplantation were reviewed retrospectively with the use of recent US activity data and published compilations of such events for both therapeutic modalities. In addition, practices that govern blood transfusion and transplantation, in light of regulations and standards of practice, and the practical factors that cause variations in the use of both therapies were compared and contrasted. These factors include availability, preservation and viability, life-saving vs life-enhancing effects, donor selection and qualification, donor-recipient pair matching, disease marker screening and transmission potential, immunopathologic considerations, and future alternative directions.