Neil Blumberg: Clinical Harm Associated With Infusion of ABO Incompatible Antibody and Antigen
Neil Blumberg, Transfusion Medicine Specialist and Platelet Researcher (Former Professor and Director, URMC), shared on LinkedIn:
“Some ideas become dogma without any strong data to support them. Examples include the equivalent safety of universal donor group O red cells and group AB plasma to ABO identical transfusions. Data have now accumulated to show that these assumptions are largely incorrect.
Our group reviewed the data demonstrating that infusion of modest amounts of ABO incompatible cellular and soluble antigen, and ABO incompatible plasma are associated with clinical harm, including increased mortality.
Tong N, Masel D, Nguyen PL, Asante A, Refaai M, Heal JM, Blumberg N.
The case against infusing ABO incompatible antibody and antigen from all blood components.
Transfus Apher Sci. 2026 Jan 31;65(2):104402. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2026.104402. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41633302.
Abstract
The transfusion of ABO compatible but not ABO identical red blood cells and plasma and the transfusion of platelets and cryoprecipitate without concern for ABO in any manner, are practices that have been accepted as safe for patients.
While these practices make managing blood component inventories easier by reducing component outdating, they do lead to the development of immune complexes, donor antibody induced hemolysis, and potentially endothelial cell and platelet injury.
A growing body of evidence has shown that these practices are associated, likely causally, with negative consequences for patients including increased mortality.
The adoption of a policy of providing only ABO identical blood components when practical, and avoiding infusion of ABO incompatible antibody, cellular and soluble antigen should thus become the optimal standard of care for patients.
For those without access to the full article, request a .pdf from [email protected].”
Find more posts featuring Neil Blumberg on Hemostasis Today.
-
Mar 25, 2026, 16:00Randa Bascharon: When to Consider Wharton’s Jelly in Tendon, Ligament, and Joint Conditions
-
Mar 25, 2026, 15:56Boris Pasche: Karmanos Cancer Institute Leads Innovation in Cancer and Hematologic Disease Treatment
-
Mar 25, 2026, 15:52Indunil Karunarathna: Kawasaki Disease at the Intersection of Immunology, Cardiology, and Vascular Biology
-
Mar 25, 2026, 15:48Micah Grey: Reflecting on an Incredible Experience at the THSNA Congress
-
Mar 25, 2026, 15:45Christi Miller: Exploring Key Facts about Hemophilia During Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month
-
Mar 25, 2026, 15:44Stéphane Laurent: Why the Relationship Between AfSBT and ISBT Matters in Blood Management
-
Mar 25, 2026, 15:36Seema Dawood: EDTA-Induced Platelet Satellitism
-
Mar 25, 2026, 15:35ABO-Incompatible Transfusions and Severe Allergic Reactions – ISBT
-
Mar 25, 2026, 15:14Critical Gaps in AF Stroke Prevention – JTH