Quick Reference Guide for Safe Transfusions
Blood compatibility is a fundamental principle in transfusion medicine that ensures the safe administration of blood products by preventing life-threatening reactions. This guide explains the critical ABO and Rh antigen-antibody systems, where mismatched transfusions can trigger severe hemolytic responses. It details universal donor (O-) and universal recipient (AB+) roles, provides a clear compatibility chart for all blood types, and outlines essential clinical protocols—from typing and crossmatching to emergency procedures. Clinicians will find concise information on special scenarios like pediatric transfusions and sickle cell disease management, alongside global blood type distribution data. Emphasizing that ABO compatibility is non-negotiable, this reference reinforces why crossmatch verification remains mandatory before any transfusion.
Core Principles
ABO System:
- Type A: Has A antigens, anti-B antibodies
- Type B: Has B antigens, anti-A antibodies
- Type AB: Has both antigens, no antibodies
- Type O: No antigens, anti-A + anti-B antibodies
Rh Factor:
- Rh+: Can receive Rh+ or Rh- blood
- Rh-: Can ONLY receive Rh- blood
🩸 Blood Compatibility Test Calculator
📐 Compatibility Rules
- O- is a universal donor.
- AB+ is a universal recipient.
- Rh-negative recipients should not receive Rh-positive blood.
📝 Example:
Donor: O-
Recipient: A+
Result: ✅ Compatible
🖊️ Select Blood Groups
Universal Blood Types
| Role | Blood Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Donor | O- | No antigens (safe for all) |
| Universal Recipient | AB+ | No antibodies (accepts all) |
Compatibility Chart
Recipient → Compatible Donors
- A+: A+, A-, O+, O-
- A-: A-, O-
- B+: B+, B-, O+, O-
- B-: B-, O-
- AB+: ALL TYPES
- AB-: AB-, A-, B-, O-
- O+: O+, O-
- O-: O-
Critical Risks
- ABO Mismatch:
- Immediate hemolytic reaction
- Fever, kidney failure, death
- Rh Mismatch:
- Delayed reaction (2-10 days)
- Dangerous for women of childbearing age
Clinical Protocol
- Type patient’s blood (ABO/Rh)
- Screen for irregular antibodies
- Crossmatch donor blood
- Verify compatibility
- Monitor during transfusion
Special Cases
- Emergencies: Use O- blood
- Children: Use CMV-negative, irradiated blood
- Sickle Cell Patients: Extended phenotype matching
Key Rule: ABO compatibility is absolute – never violate!
Global Distribution
| Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| O+ | 37-52% |
| A+ | 26-37% |
| B+ | 9-25% |
| AB+ | 2-7% |
| Rh- | 15% worldwide |
