VanPutte, Regan, & Russo (2014) stated that there are categories of antigens on the surface

of red blood cells. The human blood is categorized by ABO blood group system. In this blood
group system, the antigens found in the surface of the red blood cells are genetically determined.
Type A antigens are present in type A blood while type B antigens are present in type B blood.
Type AB has both of type A and type B antigens. Neither A nor B is present in type O blood. If a
person receives blood that does not match his/her blood type, transfusion reactions can occur. Type
A blood contains anti-B antibodies, which will act against type B antigens; plasma from type B
blood contains anti-A antibodies, which act against type A antigens. The AB blood plasma has
neither type of antibody, and type O blood plasma has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
Historically, type O blood are known as universal donors because they can usually donate blood
to the other ABO blood types without causing ABO transfusion reactions. Their red blood cells
have no surface ABO antigens and therefore do not react with the recipient’s anti-A or anti-B
antibodies. However, people with type O blood can only receive from type O blood.

The antibodies present in the recipient’s blood will attack the blood of the donor if they are
incompatible. Hemolytic reaction occurs when the immune system of the recipient attacks the
donor’s red blood cells which will cause them to burst. The body will produce antibodies that will
destroy the donor’s blood cells. It is during this process when transfusion reaction occurs. In an
article reviewed by Klatt, he stated that transfusion reactions include febrile reaction, allergic
reaction, transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI), and Transfusion-associated graft versus
host disease (TAGVHD).
Patient’s antibodies is directed against
Febrile Reaction antigens that are present on transfused
lymphocytes or granulocytes.
Allergic Reactions Complaints of hives and itching to anaphylaxis
Transfusion related acute lung injury Introduction of the donor antibodies into the
recipient causes granulocyte enzymes to be
released, increasing capillary permeability and
resulting in sudden respiratory distress from
pulmonary edema, typically within 6 hours of
transfusion.
Transfusion-associated graft occurs when the blood products contain T-
lymphocytes and attack many host tissues

Klatt, E. C. (n.d.). Adverse Reactions to Blood Products. Retrieved from

https://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/BLDBANK/BBTXRXN.html

VanPutte, C., Regan, J., & Russo, A. (2014). Seeley's Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology(10th
ed.). New York: Mc Graw Hill Education