Significance of some red cell alloantibodies in blood transfusion

ABSTRACT

The detection of in vitro incompatibility between an antibody in a patient's serum and an antigen on a donor's red cells does not always mean the destruction of cells in vivo. It may be costly and time consuming to find a compatible unit in alloantibodies with no clinical significance. It is necessary to review the behaviours, characteristics and specificity to find out the potential significance of antibodies when facilities for their detection are lacking. Knowledge of the frequency distribution of antigen in the population is also necessary. It is possible on many occasions in spite of the shortened survival of red cells to transfuse a patient where delay in the search for antibodies is not acceptable. Evaluation of clinical indications, urgency and consultation with blood bank staff by the patient's physician are important for the satisfactory outcome of transfusion