What component is indicated for patients who have anti-IgA antibodies?

What component is indicated for patients who have anti-IgA antibodies?

• A. Whole blood
• B. Packed RBCs
• C. Washed or deglycerolized RBCs
• D. Granulocytes

Answer: (C)

When patients have anti-IgA antibodies, the use of washed or deglycerolized red blood cells (RBCs) is indicated in clinical practice. This is primarily due to the fact that these individuals may experience allergic reactions or anaphylactic responses when exposed to IgA, which is a component of normal serum. Washed or deglycerolized red blood cells undergo a process where plasma and its components, including IgA, are removed. This minimizes the risk of transfusion reactions in patients who have developed antibodies against IgA. The washing process effectively reduces the amount of residual plasma proteins, significantly decreasing the likelihood of an immune response triggered by IgA. In contrast, whole blood and packed RBCs would still contain IgA and other plasma components, posing a risk for those with IgA antibodies. Granulocyte transfusions are also not suitable in this scenario, as they too would contain plasma proteins including IgA. Therefore, washed or deglycerolized RBCs provide a safer alternative for patients with anti-IgA antibodies, ensuring better compatibility and reducing the risk of transfusion-related complications.

When patients have anti-IgA antibodies, the use of washed or deglycerolized red blood cells (RBCs) is indicated in clinical practice. This is primarily due to the fact that these individuals may experience allergic reactions or anaphylactic responses when exposed to IgA, which is a component of normal serum.

Washed or deglycerolized red blood cells undergo a process where plasma and its components, including IgA, are removed. This minimizes the risk of transfusion reactions in patients who have developed antibodies against IgA. The washing process effectively reduces the amount of residual plasma proteins, significantly decreasing the likelihood of an immune response triggered by IgA.

In contrast, whole blood and packed RBCs would still contain IgA and other plasma components, posing a risk for those with IgA antibodies. Granulocyte transfusions are also not suitable in this scenario, as they too would contain plasma proteins including IgA. Therefore, washed or deglycerolized RBCs provide a safer alternative for patients with anti-IgA antibodies, ensuring better compatibility and reducing the risk of transfusion-related complications.