Which antibody type is often observed with a hemolytic transfusion reaction?

Prepare for the ASCP Specialist in Blood Banking Exam. Boost your knowledge with quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Get exam ready!

The presence of incompatible blood type antibodies is frequently observed in hemolytic transfusion reactions. These reactions occur when a recipient receives blood that is incompatible with their own blood type, leading to the destruction of the transfused red blood cells by the immune system. This process is primarily driven by antibodies that target specific antigens on the surface of the donor red blood cells.

For example, if a person with blood type A receives blood from a type B donor, their immune system will recognize the B antigens as foreign and produce antibodies against them, resulting in a hemolytic transfusion reaction. This severe immune response can lead to various clinical symptoms, including fever, chills, back pain, and even acute kidney injury due to hemolysis.

While cold reactive antibodies, warm autoantibodies, and alloantibodies to minor blood group antigens can cause transfusion reactions, they are less commonly associated with immediate hemolytic reactions compared to incompatible blood type antibodies. Cold reactive antibodies typically lead to conditions like cold agglutinin disease and are more associated with chronic issues, rather than acute transfusion reactions. Warm autoantibodies can also cause hemolysis but usually manifest differently and are often related to underlying conditions rather than immediate transf

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy