Definition:
TACO is defined as acute or worsening respiratory compromise and/or acute or worsening pulmonary oedema during or up to 12 hours of transfusion, with additional features including cardiovascular system changes not explained by the patient’s underlying medical condition; evidence of fluid overload and a relevant biomarker.
Data collection on TACO began in 2008, and although reported numbers have steadily increased since that time, it is thought that TACO remains under-reported.
In 2016 the pre-transfusion TACO checklist was introduced, and has been modified and refined since then. The latest version of this can be found in the most recent Annual Report chapter, and also in the Figures pdf in the Resources section below.
Recent Recommendations
Perform a gap analysis and implement the recommendations of the NPSA alert on TACO (MHRA and SHOT, 2024). This incorporates ongoing SHOT recommendations and access to further guidance and supporting resources
Action: Hospital Trusts/Health Boards
TACO Resources
Please also see the video on pulmonary complications of transfusion on the below button:
SHOT VideosTACO Safety Alert FAQ Document
TACO Safety Alert Gap Analysis Tool
TACO pre-transfusion risk assessment
TACO Incident Investigation Tool (Updated March 2024)
SHOT Bite No. 11: Respiratory Symptoms During Transfusion
TACO Annual Report Chapters
To access the chapter click either on the cover of the Annual SHOT Report or the link below the picture
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2023
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2022
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2021
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2020
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2019
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2018
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2017
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2016
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2015
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2014
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2013
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2012
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2011
Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) 2010