Outline the principles of compatibility testing of blood for transfusion.
There was a reasonable knowledge of the basics of ABO antigens and antibodies by most
candidates. However, many answers seemed to lack perspective of the steps performed in the
laboratory to improve immunological safety of transfusion. For a good answer it was expected that
candidates also discuss the basis to serological testing and antibody screening.
Syllabus: J2a, J2a2i
References: Guyton Textbook of Physiology Chp 32 and 35, Australian Red cross Transfusion
Medicine manual
Group | Antigens | Antibodies | Can receive blood from: | Can donate blood to: |
A | A | Anti-B | A and O | A and AB |
B | B | Anti-A | B and O | B and AB |
AB | A and B | None | Everybody | AB |
O | None |
Anti-A and Anti-B |
Only O | Everybody |
Pourazar, Abbasali. "Red cell antigens: Structure and function." Asian journal of transfusion science 1.1 (2007): 24.
Daniels, G. "Structure and function of red cell surface antigens." ISBT Science Series 1.1 (2006): 3-8.
Pawlak, Z., and M. Lopez. "Development of antigens ABH and Ii in children between 0 to 16 years old." Revue francaise de transfusion et immuno-hematologie 22.3 (1979): 253-263.
Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L. & Stryer, L. (2007). Biochemistry, 6th Ed. (p. 315). New York, NY: W.H. Freeman
ANZSBT: GUIDELINES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF BLOOD PRODUCTS (2018)
British Committee for Standards in Haematology, et al. "Guidelines for pre‐transfusion compatibility procedures in blood transfusion laboratories." Transfusion Medicine 23.1 (2013): 3-35.