Blood Type Incompatibility

Blood incompatibility can result in an adverse reaction within a person’s immune system. When a transfusion given to a patient contains a blood type different than what they require, it can lead to hemolysis and serious blood transfusion reactions. 

Blood Type Combinations

Blood may be classified as type A, B, AB, or O. Each blood type can receive blood of the same type, and all blood types can receive type O. But type O blood can only receive other type O blood. Meanwhile, type AB blood can receive either type A or B blood.

Blood is further classified by Rh factor. Some people are Rh positive, making them A+, B+, AB+ or O+. Some are Rh negative, making them A-, B-, AB-, or O. Rh positive blood can receive Rh positive or negative blood, but Rh negative blood can only receive other Rh negative blood (it cannot receive Rh positive blood).

The following is a breakdown of compatible blood type combinations:

• Type A: Type A+ patients may receive A+, A-, O+, & O- blood, but A- patients can receive A- and O- blood.
• Type B: Type B+ individuals may receive B+, B-, O, & O- blood, but type B- individuals may receive B- and O-.
• Type AB: Type AB+ individuals can receive all blood types, but type AB- individuals can only receive A-, B-, AB- or O-.
• Type O: Type O+ individuals can receive O+ or O-, but type O- individuals are limited to receiving type O- blood.

AB+ individuals are considered universal recipients, while O- individuals are considered universal donors. According to the American Red Cross, O+ is the most common blood type in the U.S.

Filing a Malpractice Claim for Incorrect Blood Type

Patients who are given an incompatible blood type may have grounds to file a malpractice claim against the responsible party. Call 440-333-3800 to set up a consultation with an attorney at Mellino Robenalt LLC if transfusion blood incompatibility has caused injuries.

Filed under Medical Malpractice.
Tags: Cleveland medical malpractice