Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Physiology | Transfusion Physiology 1

Transfusion Physiology 1
Session overview
Description
This session covers the immunology of transfusion, focusing on the most clinically-significant red blood cell antigen systems, ABO and Rhesus. Affiliated antibody systems and compatibility between individuals with these blood groups will also be described.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Outline the preparation of blood products for transfusion
• Describe the major blood groups in humans and understand their clinical significance
• Identify the principles of compatibility matching of transfused blood

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Revise your understanding of the function of blood in the body
• Revise your understanding of immune response and antibody-antigen interactions

The word transfusion comes from the Latin, trans 'across' and fundere 'to pour'. In 1900 in Vienna, Dr Karl Landsteiner first described the ABO grouping of blood. He was later awarded the Nobel prize for medicine in 1930 for this discovery. The identification of ABO blood groups was a vital step towards the development of safe blood transfusion.

A blood transfusion is indicated for the replacement of depleted blood products which, if left untreated, would contribute toward significant morbidity or mortality, and could not be corrected by other means.

Blood transfusion is a potentially life-saving procedure.

Safe transfusion requires compatibility between the blood product and the recipient. The basis of blood compatibility is outlined in this session.