Answer to Question #64078 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Kartik

Question

If 'O' type blood group has antibodies a and b both, then how can we transfuse it to 'A' type blood group?

Answer 1

In the matter of fact, normally we do not transfuse the whole blood, but only donor's RBCs. They are separated from serum and washed before the transfusion. The serum contains antibodies a and b, so if we transfuse 'O' type whole blood or serum to the person with 'A' type blood group, there will be an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. In real cases, when doctors want to transfer blood, they first do a cross-match test between donor and recipient. And only if there will be no immune reaction or coagulation, then they proceed with the transfusion.