In blood transfusions, the most important antigens are the blood group antigens.
- These are A, B and O.
Blood types A and B contain A and B antigens.
- If donated blood contains these antigens and they aren't recognised by the recipients immune system, they will generate an immune reaction
- This is called a haemolytic transfusion reaction, and will cause a serious complication.
- The reaction occurs when red blood cells that are given during the transfusion are destroyed by the recipient's immune system.
- When red blood cells are destroyed, the process is called haemolysis.