When a foreign protein is introduced, the body reacts by producing antibodies. Some of these are protective and some could be hazardous to the body.
In blood transfusion, the patient’s body receives “foreign” red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells and plasma containing proteins. Hence it is important to ensure maximum compatibility of the blood of the patient and that of the donor to prevent any hazardous reactions.
The major concern is about transfusing red blood cells which are not 100% compatible with the patient. When this happens the red blood cells of the patient are attacked by the incompatible antibodies in the transfused blood and vice versa resulting in lysis of red blood cells and dysfunction of organs in the patient. Hence, there is a compelling need for matching not only the major blood groups of the two (namely, A, B or lack of both “O” but also other red blood cell antigens which are not routinely done by most blood banks.
Since no compatibility tests are done specifically for platelets and white cells, in some patients the system recognises these as foreign and results in mild shivering and fever, which is referred to as non-haemolytic febrile transfusion reaction.
Question from A.P. Saradhi, Visakhapatnam
Answer by Dr. P Srinivasan, Co-Founder & Chairman, Jeevan Blood Bank & Research Centre, Chennai
This week’s questions
Can ageing be reversed or accelerated?
T.S. Karthik, Chennai
When you look at our nails, we see a white portion at the base, what is this?
P.J. Anish, Bengaluru
Why is it that humans cannot tolerate water in their eyes even for a second, but fishes live in water for years?
Neerad Thanvi, Bikaner, Rajasthan
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