A, B, AB, and O are the 4 major blood types. The types are based on small substances (molecules) on the surface of the blood cells.
When people who have one blood type receive blood from someone with a different blood type, it may cause their immune system to react. This is called ABO incompatibility.
Due to modern testing techniques, this problem is very rare.
Transfusion reaction - hemolytic; Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction; AHTR; Blood incompatibility - ABO
The different blood types are:
People who have one blood type may form proteins (antibodies) that cause their immune system to react against one or more of the other blood types.
Being exposed to another type of blood can cause a reaction. This is important when someone needs to receive blood (transfusion) or have an organ transplant. The blood types must be compatible to avoid an ABO incompatibility reaction.
For example:
Type O blood does not cause an immune response when it is given to people with type A, type B, or type AB blood. This is why type O blood cells can be given to people of any blood type. People with type O blood are called universal donors. But people with type O can only receive type O blood.
Both blood and plasma transfusions must be matched to avoid an immune reaction. Before anyone receives blood, both the blood and the person receiving it are tested carefully to avoid a reaction. Usually, a reaction occurs because of a clerical error causing someone to receive incompatible blood.
The following are symptoms of ABO incompatible transfusion reactions:
In case of any reaction, transfusion should be stopped immediately. Treatment may also include:
Yoshihiko Watarai is in Nagoya, Japan. Watarai is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of ABO Incompatibility. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Kidney Transplant, ABO Incompatibility, Hyperparathyroidism, and Cytomegalovirus Infection.
Shunji Narumi is in Nagoya, Japan. Narumi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of ABO Incompatibility. They are also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are ABO Incompatibility, Kidney Transplant, Chronic Antibody-Mediated Rejection, and Hyperparathyroidism.
Norihiko Goto is in Nagoya, Japan. Goto is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of ABO Incompatibility. They are also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are ABO Incompatibility, Kidney Transplant, Parathyroid Hyperplasia, and Hyperparathyroidism.
ABO incompatibility can be a very serious problem that can result in death. With the right and timely treatment, a full recovery is expected.
Complications that may result include:
Contact your provider if you have recently had a blood transfusion or transplant and you have symptoms of ABO incompatibility.
Careful testing of donor and recipient blood types before transfusion or transplant can prevent this problem.
Published Date : May 27, 2020
Published By : Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Manis JP. Blood components, blood donor screening, and transfusion reactions. In: Rifai N, ed. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2018:chap 81.
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