Priya Prasad: Family Donations Are Not as Safe as We Usually Think
Priya Prasad, Senior Specialist at Caritas Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Today at the blood bank, a young son walked in with a simple, powerful intention.
‘I want to donate blood for my father’
And he specifically requested that his blood be given to his father only , since their blood groups are the same.
Moments like these remind us why medicine is not just a science, but deeply human.
But sometimes, what feels right emotionally is not the safest medically.
In transfusion practice, directed or family donations are not always safer – in fact, they may carry serious risks such as Transfusion – Associated Graft vs Host Disease (TA-GVHD).
Why does this happen?
When blood is donated by a close relative, shared HLA similarities can allow donor T-lymphocytes to escape recognition and attack the recipient’s tissues.
The consequences can be devastating:
- Fever and skin rash
- Liver and gastrointestinal involvement
- Bone marrow failure
Often fatal if not prevented
The key message:
Voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation remains the safest and most recommended source of blood.
As transfusion specialists, we often stand at the intersection of emotion and evidence – where saying ‘no’ is not rejection, but protection.
To that son today – your intention was pure, your love unquestionable!
And our responsibility is to ensure your father receives the safest possible care.”
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