Are there ABO antigens on platelets?

Platelets express ABO antigens and are collected in plasma, which contains ABO antibodies as would be consistent with the donor ABO group. Although platelets do not express Rh antigens, they contain small numbers of intact red blood cells or fragments, which can lead to alloimmunization in the recipient.

What is an ABO group?

ABO grouping is a test performed to determine an individual’s blood type. It is based on the premise that individuals have antigens on their red blood cells (RBCs) that correspond to the four main blood groups: A, B, O, and AB.

Is there a link between platelet transfusion and Abo?

One study observed higher transfusion reaction rates among recipients of major incompatible platelet transfusions, 8 but other studies have not shown an association between ABO compatibility and transfusion reaction rates. 9 Unlike major incompatible RBC transfusions, there is no risk for hemolysis.

Can a platelet that is ABO express a Rh antigen?

At the same time, platelets which are ABO incompatible with the patient’s plasma can cause smaller platelet count increments. In addition, though platelets do not bear Rh antigens, residual red cells contaminating a platelet unit can express Rh antigens.

What are the blood components that are ABO compatible?

Patient’s ABO Group Compatible Red Blood Cells (RBCs) Compatible Plasma Group A Group A and O Group A and AB Group B Group B and O Group B, AB Group AB Group O, A, B, AB Group AB

How are ABO antigens expressed in red blood cells?

Platelets, like red blood cells (RBCs), express ABO antigens, although expression is variable and strongly expressed in only 4% to 7% of individuals. 1 Platelets are also suspended in roughly 1 unit of donor plasma, which contains the ABO antibodies predicted by the donor blood type ( Table 1 ).