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Priya Prasad: Family Donations Are Not as Safe as We Usually Think
Priya Prasad/LinkedIn
Apr 6, 2026, 06:11

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.”

Priya Prasad

More posts featuring Priya Prasad on Hemostasis Today.

Blood Donating Health Hematology Hemostasis Hemostasis News Hemostasis Today Medicine Priya Prasad TA-GVHD transfusion
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