Proper processing of platelet concentrates before administration to avoid transfusion reactions involves which compatibility matching?

Proper processing of platelet concentrates before administration to avoid transfusion reactions involves which compatibility matching?

• A. Type and crossmatch
• B. ABO and Rh matching
• C. Rh matching only
• D. ABO matching only

Answer: (C)

Platelet transfusion safety hinges on ABO compatibility. Platelets come with donor plasma, which can contain anti-A and anti-B antibodies. If the donor plasma is ABO-incompatible with the recipient, those antibodies can attack the recipient’s red cells and trigger a transfusion reaction. That makes ABO matching the primary compatibility concern for platelet concentrates. Rh status is much less critical for platelets because they carry little D antigen, and the risk of Rh alloimmunization from a typical platelet product is low. In some situations, such as for women of childbearing potential who will receive many transfusions, clinicians may consider Rh-compatible platelets to minimize future alloimmunization, but this is not the general rule for all patients. Crossmatching and Type and crossmatch are concepts tied to red blood cell transfusion, not platelets. So the essential practice is ABO compatibility for platelets, with Rh matching considered only in specific, limited contexts.

Platelet transfusion safety hinges on ABO compatibility. Platelets come with donor plasma, which can contain anti-A and anti-B antibodies. If the donor plasma is ABO-incompatible with the recipient, those antibodies can attack the recipient’s red cells and trigger a transfusion reaction. That makes ABO matching the primary compatibility concern for platelet concentrates.

Rh status is much less critical for platelets because they carry little D antigen, and the risk of Rh alloimmunization from a typical platelet product is low. In some situations, such as for women of childbearing potential who will receive many transfusions, clinicians may consider Rh-compatible platelets to minimize future alloimmunization, but this is not the general rule for all patients.

Crossmatching and Type and crossmatch are concepts tied to red blood cell transfusion, not platelets. So the essential practice is ABO compatibility for platelets, with Rh matching considered only in specific, limited contexts.