What is true regarding the risk of transfusion reactions?

The assertion that every unit of red cells has potential for reaction accurately reflects the inherent risks involved with transfusion practices. Transfusion reactions can occur due to various factors, including the recipient's immune response to antigens present on red blood cells, as well as other types of components that may be present in the blood product. This means that every individual unit of red cells, regardless of the past transfusions a patient may have received, carries a risk for adverse reactions due to the possibility of sensitization to new antibodies or reactions to different blood group antigens.

This underscores the importance of appropriate blood matching and vigilance during transfusions. Transfusion-related risks are not limited to those patients who have previously received blood products; each new unit can introduce unique immunological challenges. Therefore, understanding that each unit has the capacity to provoke a reaction is vital for ensuring patient safety and managing the complexities associated with blood transfusions.