Serious Hazards of Transfusion Haemovigilance — The UK Experience

Abstract

Haemovigilance is an important method for the surveillance of adverse events. The UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) scheme was set up in 1996 and collects adverse events resulting from the transfusion of blood and its components. The information collected is presented at an annual symposium and published in report form, and has resulted in several changes in blood transfusion practices – in the blood services at donor collection, within hospital laboratories and at the patient’s bedside — resulting in improved safety and a reduction in serious events and deaths. SHOT reporting has stimulated many other initiatives, such as national transfusion audit and education strategies, endorsed by the government in order to reduce harm and increase transfusion safety.