What is the primary purpose of performing an antibody screen before transfusion?

What is the primary purpose of performing an antibody screen before transfusion?

• A. Determine ABO type
• B. Detect recipient antibodies against donor red blood cells
• C. Screen donors for antibodies
• D. Find donor antibodies against recipient

Answer: (B)

This question tests detecting unexpected antibodies in the recipient before transfusion. An antibody screen looks for alloantibodies in the patient’s plasma that could react with antigens on donor red blood cells. It uses a panel of reagent red cells with known antigen profiles and an indirect antiglobulin test to reveal any antibodies the patient has formed. If such antibodies are present, compatible donor units can be identified, and a crossmatch is performed to confirm safety. This prevents transfusion reactions caused by antibodies against donor RBC antigens. ABO typing is a separate step that determines the basic blood group, not the presence of unexpected antibodies. Screening donors for antibodies or finding donor antibodies against the recipient are not the primary aims of the recipient antibody screen; the test is specifically about detecting the recipient’s antibodies that could react with donor red cells.

This question tests detecting unexpected antibodies in the recipient before transfusion. An antibody screen looks for alloantibodies in the patient’s plasma that could react with antigens on donor red blood cells. It uses a panel of reagent red cells with known antigen profiles and an indirect antiglobulin test to reveal any antibodies the patient has formed. If such antibodies are present, compatible donor units can be identified, and a crossmatch is performed to confirm safety. This prevents transfusion reactions caused by antibodies against donor RBC antigens.

ABO typing is a separate step that determines the basic blood group, not the presence of unexpected antibodies. Screening donors for antibodies or finding donor antibodies against the recipient are not the primary aims of the recipient antibody screen; the test is specifically about detecting the recipient’s antibodies that could react with donor red cells.