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Definition Return to top
ABO incompatibility is a reaction of the immune system that occurs if two different and not compatible blood types are mixed together.
Causes Return to top
A, B, and O are the three major blood types. The types are based on small substances (molecules) on the surface of the blood cells. In people who have different blood types, these molecules act as immune system triggers (antigens).
Each person has a combination of two of these surface molecules. Type O lacks any molecule. The different blood types are:
People who have one blood type form proteins (antibodies) that cause their immune system to react against other blood types. Being exposed to another type of blood can cause a reaction. This is important when a patient needs to receive blood (transfusion) or have an organ transplant. The blood types must be matched to avoid an ABO incompatibility reaction.
For example:
Because type O lacks any surface molecules, type O blood does not cause an immune response. This is why type O blood cells can be given to patients of any blood type. People with type O blood are called "universal donors." However, people with type O can only receive type O blood.
Since antibodies are in the liquid part of blood (plasma), both blood and plasma transfusions must be matched to avoid an immune reaction.
Symptoms Return to top
The following are symptoms of transfusion reactions:
Exams and Tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Treatment may include:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
This can be a very serious problem which can even result in death. With the right treatment, a full recovery is likely.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have recently had a blood transfusion or transplant and you have the symptoms listed above.
Prevention Return to top
Careful testing of donor and patient blood types before transfusion or transplant can prevent this problem.
References Return to top
McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders, 2006.
Hoffman R, Benz E, Shattil S, Furie B, Cohen H. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.
Update Date: 5/13/2008 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
