Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro: Why Plasma and RBC Transfusions Follow Different Compatibility Rules
Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine Specialist at Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The wrong blood product can turn a life-saving transfusion into a life-threatening mistake.
ABO compatibility is not just laboratory science – it is patient safety.
One of the most misunderstood areas in transfusion medicine is this:
RBC compatibility and plasma compatibility are not the same.
For Red Blood Cells (RBCs):
We avoid giving antigens the patient does not have.
- Group O – universal RBC donor
- Group AB – universal RBC recipient
But for Plasma (FFP):
The rule is reversed.
- Group AB plasma – universal plasma donor
- Group O patients – can receive plasma from all groups
And what happens in emergencies when AB plasma is unavailable for an AB patient?
Clinical judgment matters.
Low-titer Group A plasma may be the preferred alternative.
Low-titer Group O plasma may be used as a last resort.
Group B plasma should generally be avoided.
The key lesson?
Knowing compatibility saves lives.
Because in transfusion medicine:
Right patient. Right product. Right time.
Not all blood products follow the same compatibility rules – and understanding the difference can prevent avoidable transfusion reactions.
Signature of Blood Doki. Educate. Empower. Elevate. Better blood. Better care. Better outcomes.”
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