This pocket card reviews blood type compatibility, the different types of transfusion reactions that can occur, signs and symptoms, and treatment strategies.
Blood Type Compatibility (American Red Cross, n.d.)
Blood types are determined by antigens, substances that trigger an immune response when seen as foreign to the body. Some antigens can cause a patient’s immune system to attack transfused blood. Whole blood, red blood cells (RBCs), leukocyte-poor RBCs, white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets must be ABO and Rh type and cross-matched for antibodies to be safely transfused.
There are four major blood groups based on the presence or absence of two antigens, A and B, located on the surface of red blood cells. There is also a protein called Rh factor which can be present (+) or absent (-).
- The universal red cell donor has Type O- blood.
- The universal red cell recipient has AB+ blood.
It is important to note that in emergency situations, when the recipient’s blood type is unknown, the person can receive type O-negative red cells without producing an ABO or RhD incompatibility reaction. In other situations, even non-emergent ones, where the recipient’s specific blood type is known but there is no type-specific blood available, a compatible type may be used if it is determined to be compatible through cross-matching. Cross-matching is a simple and commonly practiced laboratory test that verifies blood compatibility.
