Evaluation of ABO Isoagglutinins Level in Blood Group O Donors

the use of O blood group transfusion to patients of all groups has continued since the second world war, nevertheless the transfusion of group O plasma/ platelet concentrate to group A, B and AB recipient sometimes causes severe red cell destruction , Acute haemolysis has been reported following transfusion of non-iso group single donor platelet (PLT) concentrates and may be more common than is appreciated.

This red blood cells destruction happens based on the fact that the sera from group O people contain two separable antibodies, anti-A and anti-B .

When it comes to PLT transfusion therapy we are dealing with issues arising from the fact that PLTs contain both significant amounts of ABO antigen on their surface, as well as anti ABO isogglutinins in the donor's plasma which caused reduction the volume of incompatible plasma administrated.

From another point of view the risk of high titer units is considered low with group O, post storage, pooled PLT concentrate. However its necessary to establish a (golden standard) method for the determination of antibody titer in order to be able to differentiate accurately the high titer donors.

So, for improving the safety of group O plts we need to define a safe level of antibody titer or reduce the volume of incompatible plasma administrated.