A critical error by a lab technician at the Government General Hospital in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, turned a routine medical procedure into a life-threatening situation on Friday evening. A young patient receiving a blood transfusion was mistakenly given the wrong blood type, forcing an emergency rush to the Intensive Care Unit.
A Routine Transfusion Turns Critical
The patient, Puneet Surya, in his late 20s, was admitted for anaemia treatment. During the transfusion, he suddenly experienced intense discomfort and a severe headache. Sensing grave danger, he alerted the duty nurse. Her swift action proved crucial; she immediately stopped the procedure and ran to the laboratory to verify the blood sample.
Her investigation uncovered a shocking lapse. A lab technician had incorrectly labelled an A-positive blood bag as O-positive. Puneet, who has an O-positive blood group, had thus started receiving incompatible A-positive blood.
Swift Action Prevents Disaster
"The nurse stopped the transfusion immediately, and only a few millilitres of blood entered the patient's system," said Dr Surendra KS, the hospital's medical superintendent. He confirmed that Puneet was shifted to the ICU for close observation and that his condition is now stable, with all vital parameters, including kidney function, normal.
Dr Surendra emphasized the gravity of the mistake, stating it "was a clear case of negligence that could have led to serious complications such as renal failure" if more blood had been administered. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the responsible lab technician.
Family Files Police Complaint, Alleges Staff Arrogance
The patient's mother, Maheshwari, has lodged a formal complaint at the Tilak Nagar police station. In her statement, she alleged that a blood bank staffer administered the wrong blood. "Within minutes, my son developed severe uneasiness and was shifted to the ICU," she stated.
She further accused the staffer, identified as Umesh, of a negligent and arrogant attitude when confronted about the error. "When I questioned him about the mistake, he replied dismissively, saying that only 10 ml of blood had been administered and that my son did not die," Maheshwari alleged in her complaint. She has demanded strict action against all involved. Police confirmed they will summon Umesh and others for questioning soon.
This incident has raised serious concerns about procedural safeguards and accountability in government hospital blood banks, highlighting how a single labelling error can jeopardize a patient's life.
