How deadly can blood transfusions be? Estimates vary. One says that each year more than 30,000 Americans get hepatitis from blood transfusions, and that of this number 3,000 are killed by the disease. Another estimate says that “180,000 Americans each year develop serum hepatitis from blood transfusions.” Still higher figures have been published in the United States Congressional Record, which says:

“The Center for Disease Control has stated that the actual rate of hepatit[i]s may be well in excess of the official figure due to the failure of many physicians to report serum hepatit[i]s cases. The center estimates that as many as 35,000 deaths and 500,000 illnesses a year may be due to the presence of serum hepatit[i]s in blood for transfusions.”

All those estimates are based on just one complication from blood transfusion​—hepatitis.

This conclusion was reached by the California Legislature and included in its Bill No. 793 of March 15, 1973. And Medical World News acknowledges: “Even if all donor blood is screened by the most sensitive tests now available . . . , many patients will still develop post-transfusion hepatitis.”

Nor is it just a matter of not being able to screen out the hepatitis factor.

As a result, many patients that are to be given blood transfusions have to sign a release form. By signing this form the patient agrees to release the hospital and its personnel from any responsibility if there is damage from the blood. One such hospital form reads:

“I fully understand that the transfusion or administration of blood or blood derivatives to me may result in VIRAL HEPATITIS or other untoward reactions resulting in possible serious illness and complications, hospitalization, need for further medical care and treatment, temporary or permanent disability, as well as other possible adverse effects upon my health and well-being, (including death).”