title: Blood transfusion: the risks and benefits.
abstract: As greater attention is focused on medical and legal risks of the transfusion process, physicians ordering a blood transfusion must advise their patients thoroughly and clearly of the potential risks involved. Physicians must explain clearly to patients that a zero-risk blood supply is impossible to achieve; patients must understand that all necessary steps practicable have been taken to ensure the safest possible supply.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Frohlich
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000635:transmission*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous; D006254:Hawaii; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction