Legal Medicine Evaluation of a Laboratory Error at the Blood Transfusion Center of Iran: A Case Report

Abstract

Wrong blood transfusion complication is one of the medical malpractices in Iran. A 57-year-old female patient was admitted with a diagnosis of discopathy that required an operation. Her Blood groups was O negative, but no one was aware. After initial cross-match blood group A was injected. Necrosis and edema with blisters and severe pain on the injected hand was seen after three to four hours. Unfortunately complications occurred due to receiving wrong blood transfusion. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids and fasciotomy. Hematoma was drained. Hemodialysis was performed because of increased creatinine. After two months, the patient discharged with good general appearance. The patient sued the hospital. The lab technician was found guilty and was sentenced to pay 20% of the full wergild.