Lecture 11: Transfusion Reactions

Question 1

Name the 9 major blood group systems and their key antigens.

Answer 1

ABO (A, B), MNS (M, N, S, s), P (P1), Rh (D, C, E, c, e), Lutheran (Luᵃ), Kell (K, k), Lewis (Leᵃ, Leᵇ), Duffy (Fyᵃ, Fyᵇ), Kidd (Jkᵃ, Jkᵇ).

Question 2

What does Landsteiner’s Law state?

Answer 2

If an antigen is present on RBCs, the corresponding antibody is absent in plasma (e.g., Group A has anti-B antibodies).

Question 3

What are the two main steps in compatibility testing?

Answer 3

Determine ABO/RhD group.

Screen for clinically significant antibodies in patient serum.

Question 4

List 3 symptoms and the cause of an acute haemolytic reaction.

Answer 4

Symptoms: Fever, hypotension, lumbar pain.

Cause: Clerical errors (e.g., ABO mismatch).

Question 5

How do TRALI and TACO differ clinically?

Answer 5

TRALI: Hypoxia, hypotension, anti-HLA antibodies.

TACO: Hypertension, pulmonary edema, fluid overload.

Question 6

When does a delayed haemolytic reaction typically occur?

Answer 6

12–36 hours post-transfusion due to anamnestic antibody response.

Question 7

Which blood product is most prone to bacterial contamination?

Answer 7

Platelets (stored at 22–24°C).

Question 8

What is the management for an IgA-deficient patient with allergic reactions?

Answer 8

Use IgA-deficient or washed blood products.

Question 9

Name 2 tests performed on post-transfusion samples.

Answer 9

DAT (Direct Antiglobulin Test), haptoglobin, LDH.

Question 10

What is SHOT, and what does it monitor?

Answer 10

Serious Hazards of Transfusion – tracks adverse events/reactions to improve safety.