Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT)
SHOT is the UK independent, professionally-led haemovigilance scheme affiliated to the Royal College of Pathologists. Evidence-based recommendations are made to improve patient safety in relation to blood transfusion.
Aims of SHOT
• Improve standards of hospital transfusion practice
• Educate users on transfusion hazards and their prevention
• Aid production of clinical guidelines
• Inform policy within the four UK blood services
• Inform national policy on transfusion safety within the UK
• Inform Europe about transfusion safety in the UK
Role of SHOT
• Established in 1996 and internationally recognised as the gold standard for haemovigilance
• Funded by the four UK blood services
• Collects and analyses anonymised information about adverse events and reactions related to transfusion of blood and blood components and the administration of anti-D immunoglobulin
• Publishes the annual SHOT report and summary, which includes recommendations for improving practice
• Holds an educational SHOT Symposium in July each year to launch the report
• Monitors the implementation and effectiveness of recommendations
