What does ABO-compatible plasma imply in transfusion practice?

What does ABO-compatible plasma imply in transfusion practice?

• A. Plasma contains antibodies that are not against recipient RBC antigens
• B. Plasma contains no antibodies at all
• C. Plasma is identical in ABO type to the recipient
• D. Plasma must be ABO-identical to the recipient

Answer: (A)

ABO-compatible plasma centers on the idea that donor antibodies in plasma must not attack the recipient’s red blood cells. Plasma transfusion can transfer anti-A or anti-B antibodies, so the plasma given should lack antibodies directed against the recipient’s ABO antigens. This means plasma can contain antibodies, but they must not target the recipient’s RBC antigens. For example, AB plasma lacks both anti-A and anti-B, making it compatible with any ABO type. In contrast, plasma with anti-A or anti-B would harm recipients whose RBCs carry those antigens, so it isn’t ABO-compatible for them.

ABO-compatible plasma centers on the idea that donor antibodies in plasma must not attack the recipient’s red blood cells. Plasma transfusion can transfer anti-A or anti-B antibodies, so the plasma given should lack antibodies directed against the recipient’s ABO antigens. This means plasma can contain antibodies, but they must not target the recipient’s RBC antigens. For example, AB plasma lacks both anti-A and anti-B, making it compatible with any ABO type. In contrast, plasma with anti-A or anti-B would harm recipients whose RBCs carry those antigens, so it isn’t ABO-compatible for them.