4.4 Other Blood Group Systems | New Zealand Blood Service

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Transfusion medicine

Transfusion medicine handbook

The Transfusion Medicine Handbook is designed to assist hospital staff and other health professionals in modern Transfusion Medicine Practice.

4. Blood Components

4.4 Other Blood Group Systems

Red cells possess many different antigens. Transfusion or pregnancy can stimulate antibody production to a red cell antigen that a person lacks. Some of these antibodies can cause transfusion reactions or haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Before transfusion and during pregnancy it is important to detect clinically significant antibodies in a patient so that compatible red cells can be provided, and appropriate advice given.

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