BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyse the transfusion-related events recorded in a general university hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method we used was retrospective analysis of the data collected between 1999 and 2003. RESULTS: The incidence of transfusion reactions (n = 394) was 4.19 per 1000 blood products distributed: 59% (n = 231) were febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions; 22% (n = 88) were caused by allergy; 5% (n = 21) were caused by bacterial infection; and 14% (n = 54) were classified as other reactions. Platelet concentrates gave rise to a significantly greater number of reactions than erythrocyte concentrates and fresh-frozen plasma. Transfusion errors and near-miss events were also observed and were analysed separately. A series of transfusion-related events, such as haemosiderosis, metabolic disturbances or volume overload, were not reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience prompts us to propose a more comprehensive classification and codification of transfusion-related events.