What would happen if a person receives a blood transfusion using a blood type other than their own?

8/13/2018

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Science Story: What would happen if a person receives a blood transfusion using a blood type other than their own?

That depends on what type of blood was given and the recipient’s blood type.

There are three major antigens (things on outside of blood cells that cause allergic reactions). The antigens are A, B, & O. There are two copies. The combos are OO, AO, BO, and AB. They are referred to as O, A, B, & AB for the sake of simplicity.

Type O is tolerated by everyone…. Type O blood is “universal donor” and prized. Type A blood is tolerated by A and AB recipients. Type B is tolerated by B and AB recipents. Type AB blood is only tolerated by AB recipients… AB types are “universal recipients.”

So what happens depends on chance:

If a person with AB gets anything different, it does not matter.
If a person with O gets anything different, that’s likely a huge problem called a major hemolytic transfusion reaction.

In a major hemolytic transfusion reaction, the recipient’s immune system vigorously attracts the donated blood. The cells are ripped apart, tons of bad chemicals are released, and the person gets super sick. The kidneys can fail… first reddish urine then shutdown. The person can develop a severe flu like illness. They can go into shock and ultimately die. Mortality is high without treatment and considerable even with it.

This is why a mix up is a potentially tragic error.

This information was taken from Quora. Click here to view the original post.

And what do you think about that? Do you have any interesting facts to share? If so, tell us in the comments below, please!

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What are your thoughts on this subject?

86 Comments

David Gardner

I can go one better than that. I was A pos, now I'm O pos after a bone marrow transplant.

Robin Delaney

Having worked in Blood Bank for many years I can confirm that the information is not totally accurate. The answers provided are only accurate if the patient has NOT been previously transfused, except for the basic ABO incompatibility. You must remain within type for A,B and O for a blood transfusion. If there have been no previous pregnancies (live birth or not) or transfusions, Rh does not necessarily matter. To transfuse out of Rh type requires a clinical pathologist's okay. This is a subject that can confuse RNs and MDs.

Linda Evers

My son is AB-. He was told when he first gave blood that he had one of the rarest types. He's given over 50 pints so far.

leighansmith

I am O negative and a blood donor. I can only receive blood from another O negative person but I can give blood to anyone.

Brent Chambers

"attracts" the donated blood...did you mean "attacks"?

attyolsen

Robin Delaney, Thank you Robin! I learnt something from you today.

Darlene Warner

And HR Negative can only receive RH negative

Diane Herbert Wall

Juergen Rett, how has that been proven?

Susan Lake-Harris

The rhesus factor is also important in many cases. O- can't have anything other than O-.

Krishna Chandra Singh Sanger

Juergen Rett, From where did you get this information and who was the person who determined the blood type of Jesus (the son of God)?

Ann Secord

You would be a perfect plasma or platelet donor because you have no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in your plasma. So being a universal recipient of rbcs you are also a universal donor for plasma containing components. Since platelets are only good for a few days you would be very appreciated as that type of donor.

Deena Grady

Before blood types were discovered many people died when given blood transfusions, which resulted in research and blood typing.

Rita Lawrence Edwards Meneses

Rita Lawrence Edwards Meneses, passing out not posing

Rita Lawrence Edwards Meneses

Gayle Bennett, I'm AB+. Things have certainly changed since 1970. I hemmoraged the night I delivered and redid the Psycho shower scene the next morning while posing out. I was supposed to get a transfusion, but after 2 days, they couldn't find the "right" blood. If they gave me A, I could have a reaction if I ever got B. I got sent home with heavy vitamins and ended up with mono a few months later. NOW, I guess I could have any. They also used to request AB+ blood be donated as it was rare. Thanks for the info.

Sharon Hickey

Irma Rivera, If you wish to believe that as an Adult that is your choice, but choosing to let Children die is the parents decision and is equal to murdering their child.There is many dangerous practices within your belief system, including covering up sexual abuse against minors and shunning members who don’t believe your governing body strict controlling rules anymore .

Juergen Rett

To me it is interesting that Jesus had blood typ AB !

Gina

And I'm the most positive.....B+

vtalltom

Gayle Bennett, I am also AB+. We have universal plasma, so we are prime candidates for Apherisis where the plasma and platelets are separated and the other cells returned. It's a little longer procedure but you can donate more often. I just bring a book along.

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