Blood Transfusion

Question 1

Where do Blood Groups arise from?

Answer 1

Antigens

Red cell antigens are expressed on cell surface and can provoke antibodies

Question 2

What does the ABO gene encode for?

Answer 2

Glycosyltransferase

Glycans are added to proteins or lipids on RBCs

Question 3

What does A antigen code for?

Answer 3

N-Acetyl-Galactosamine

Question 4

What does B antigen code for?

Answer 4

Galactose

Question 5

What does O antigen code for?

Answer 5

Nothing, it is a non functional allele

Question 6

What does each blood group have antibodies agains?

Answer 6

A group = antibodies against B

B group = antibodies against A

O group = antibodies against A and B

AB group has no antibodies against A or B

Question 7

When is anti-D made?

Answer 7

When RhD negative individuals are exposed to RhD positive cells

Question 8

What does anti-D cause?

Answer 8

Transfusion reactions or haemolytic disease of the newborn

Question 9

When is red cell transfusion indicated?

Answer 9

To correct severe anaemia which may cause organ damage

To improve quality of life in a patient with incorrectable anaemia

To prepare a patient for surgery or to speed up recovery

To reverse damage done by patients own RBCs e.g sickle cell disease

Question 10

When are platelets transfused?

Answer 10

haemorrhage
bone marrow failure
prophylaxis for surgery
cardiopulmonary bypass

Question 11

how much FFP should be used in haemorrhage?

Answer 11

1:1 ratio for what is lost