Which blood group is a universal donor? Which blood type is a universal donor? Compatibility check and necessary tests

When antigens and antibodies of the AB0 system interact, sticking of red blood cells occurs (agglutination or hemolysis), and clusters of red blood cells are formed that cannot pass through small vessels and capillaries and clog them (blood clots form). The kidneys become clogged, causing acute renal failure - a very serious condition that, if emergency measures are not taken, leads to the death of a person.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Hemolytic disease of newborns can occur when the blood of mother and fetus is incompatible according to the ABO system. In this case, antigens from the child’s blood enter the mother’s blood and cause the formation of antibodies in her body. The latter enter the fetal blood through the placenta, where they destroy the corresponding antigen-containing red blood cells - the blood clots, causing a number of disorders in the child’s body.

Hemolytic disease of newborns manifests itself in three forms: edematous, icteric and anemic.

The most severe form is edematous; children with it are often born premature, stillborn, or die in the first minutes after birth. A characteristic feature of this form is swelling subcutaneous tissue, free fluid in cavities (pleural, abdominal, etc.), bruises.

The icteric form is the appearance of jaundice immediately after birth or a few hours later. Jaundice grows quickly and acquires a yellow-green, sometimes yellow-brown hue. There is a tendency to bleeding, children are lethargic and suck poorly. Jaundice lasts up to three weeks or more. In the absence of proper treatment, severe neurological complications develop.

Blood transfusion (hemotransfusion) is carried out according to clearly defined indications. Before carrying out this procedure, it is necessary to conduct a set of diagnostic studies, according to which compatibility is determined.

In this article we will look at what a universal blood donor is.

Historical data

The transfusion technique began to be used several centuries ago, but, unfortunately, at that time healers did not know that if a transfusion saves the life of one person, it will be a deadly event for another. Therefore, a lot of sick people died. But there is such a thing as a universal donor. More on this later.

Only in 1900, the Austrian microbiologist K. Landsteiner found out that the blood of all people can be divided into types A, B and C. The outcome of the procedure will depend on this.

And already in 1940, the same scientist discovered the Rh factor, so the ability to save the lives of victims turned out to be an easily achievable goal.

Edema.
Jaundice.
Anemic.

The most easily occurring is the anemic form, in which the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells decreases.

The manifestation of symptoms of jaundice immediately after birth is a hallmark of the icteric form of hemolytic disease of the newborn. This form tends to rapidly increase symptoms, with a change in skin color to a yellow-green hue. Such babies are lethargic, do not breastfeed well, and, in addition, they have a tendency to bleed. The duration of this form is from one to three or more weeks. In the absence of properly selected timely treatment, as a rule, the development of severe neurological complications is observed.

Predisposing factors for the development of this pathology in children are:

Pathological changes in the placenta.
Repeated frequent pregnancies with short intervals.

Blood type is a sign of a person; it is genetically determined and accompanies a person throughout his life. Therefore, neglecting knowledge about its basic properties is fraught with the development of serious consequences.

We found out which blood is a universal donor.

Home " Life " A universal donor is a person with a blood type. Universal donor: which blood type is suitable for everyone

Blood transfusion can be compared to an organ transplant, so many compatibility tests are performed before the procedure. Nowadays, blood that is strictly suitable for such parameters as group and Rh factor is used for transfusion. Using incompatible blood in large volumes can result in the death of the patient.

It is believed that the first one suits everyone. According to modern doctors, this compatibility is very conditional and as such there is no universal blood group.

A little history

Attempts at blood transfusion began several centuries ago. In those days, they did not yet know about possible blood incompatibility. Therefore, many transfusions ended unsuccessfully, and one could only hope for a lucky break. And only at the beginning of the last century one of the most important discoveries in hematology was made. In 1900, after numerous studies, an immunologist from Austria, K. Landsteiner, discovered that all people can be divided by blood into three types (A, B, C) and, in this regard, proposed his own transfusion scheme. A little later, his student described the fourth group. In 1940, Landsteiner made another discovery - the Rh factor. Thus, it became possible to avoid incompatibility and save many human lives.

However, there are cases when a transfusion is urgently needed, and there is no time or opportunity to look for a suitable donor, for example, this was the case at the front during the war. Therefore, doctors have always been interested in the question of which blood group is universal.

What is universality based on?

Until the mid-20th century, it was assumed that group I was universal. It was considered compatible with any other, so its carrier could, on occasion, be used as a universal donor.

Indeed, cases of its incompatibility with others during transfusion were observed quite rarely. However, for a long time, unsuccessful transfusions were not taken into account.

Compatibility was based on the fact that some combinations produce flakes, while others do not. Coagulation occurs as a result of red blood cells sticking together, which in medicine is called agglutination. It was because of the clumping of red cells and the formation of blood clots that the death of patients occurred.

The division of blood into groups is based on the presence or absence of antigens (A and B) and antibodies (α and β) in it.

There are various proteins on the surface of red blood cells, and their composition is determined genetically. The molecules by which a group is determined are called antigens. In carriers of the first group, this antigen is completely absent. In people with the second, red cells contain antigen A, in the third - B, in the fourth - both A and B. At the same time, the plasma contains antibodies against foreign antigens. Against antigen A - agglutinin α and against antigen B - agglutinin β. The first group has antibodies of both types (α and β). The second has only β antibodies. People whose group is third have agglutinin α in their plasma. People with fourth level have no antibodies in their blood at all.

Only single-type blood can be used for transfusion

If the donor has an antigen of the same name as the recipient's plasma antibodies, then red blood cells will stick together as a result of the attack of agglutinins on the foreign element. The coagulation process begins, blockage of blood vessels occurs, the supply of oxygen stops, and death is possible.

Since there are no antigens in group I blood, when it is transfused to a person from any other blood, red blood cells do not stick together. For this reason, it was believed that it suits everyone.

Finally

Today, the recipient receives blood from a donor strictly with the same group and Rh factor. The use of so-called universal blood can be justified only in emergency cases and when transfused in limited quantities, when there is a question of saving a life, and the required one is not currently in stock.

In addition, medical scientists have found that there are many more types of blood. Therefore, the topic of compatibility is much broader and continues to be the subject of study.

In medical practice, cases quite often occur when patients lose large amounts of blood. For this reason, they need to transfuse it from another person - a donor. This process is also called transfusion. A large number of tests are performed before a transfusion is performed. It is necessary to select the right donor so that their blood is compatible. In case of complications, violation of this rule often leads to death. At the moment it is known that a universal donor is a person with the first blood group. But many doctors are of the opinion that this nuance is conditional. And there is no person in this world whose liquid-type connective tissue is suitable for absolutely everyone.

What is blood type

The blood group is usually called the totality of the antigenic properties of red blood cells present in a person. A similar classification was introduced in the 20th century. At the same time, the concept of incompatibility emerged. Due to this, the number of people who successfully underwent a blood transfusion procedure has increased significantly. In practice, there are four types. Let's briefly look at each of them.

First blood group

Zero or first blood group does not have antigens. It contains alpha and beta antibodies. It does not contain foreign elements, which is why people with blood group 0 (I) are called universal donors. It can be transfused to people with other blood groups.

Second blood group

The second group has type A antigen and antibodies to agglutinogen B. It cannot be transfused to all patients. This is allowed to be done only by those patients who do not have the B antigen, that is, patients with the first or second group.

Third blood group

The third group has antibodies to agglutinogen A and type B antigen. This blood can be transfused only to owners of the first and third groups. That is, it is suitable for patients who do not have antigen A.

Fourth blood group

The fourth group has antigens of both types, but does not include antibodies. Holders of this group can transfer part of their blood only to those of the same type. It has already been said above that a universal donor is a person with blood group 0 (I). What about the recipient (the patient who receives it)? Those who have the fourth blood group can accept any, that is, they are universal. This is due to the fact that they do not have antibodies.

Features of transfusion

If antigens from a group that is incompatible enter the human body, the foreign red blood cells will gradually begin to stick together. This will lead to poor circulation. In such a situation, oxygen abruptly stops flowing to the organs and all tissues. The blood in the body begins to clot. And if treatment is not started on time, this will lead to quite serious consequences. That is why, before performing the procedure, it is necessary to conduct tests for the compatibility of all factors.

In addition to blood type, the Rh factor must be taken into account before transfusion. What is this? It is a protein that is part of red blood cells. If a person has a positive indicator, then he has antigen D in his body. In writing this is indicated as follows: Rh+. Accordingly, Rh- is used to mark Rh negative. As is already clear, this means the absence of group D antigens in the human body.

The difference between blood group and Rh factor is that the latter plays a role only during transfusion and during pregnancy. Often, a mother with the D antigen is unable to bear a child who does not have it, and vice versa.

The concept of universality

During red blood cell transfusions, universal donors are people with blood type 1 and Rh negative. Patients with the fourth type and a positive presence of antigen D are universal recipients.

Such statements are only suitable if a person needs to receive a reaction of antigens A and B during a blood cell transfusion. Often such patients are sensitive to foreign positive Rh cells. If a person has the NN system - the Bombay phenotype, then such a rule does not apply to him. Such people can receive blood from NN donors. This is due to the fact that their erythrocytes have antibodies specifically against N.

Universal donors cannot be those who have antigens A, B or any other atypical elements. Their reactions are usually not taken into account often. The reason is that during transfusion, sometimes a very small amount of plasma is transported, in which foreign particles are directly located.

Finally

In practice, most often a person is transfused with blood of the same group and the same Rh factor as his. The universal option is resorted to only when the risk is truly justified. Indeed, even in this case, an unforeseen complication may occur, which will lead to cardiac arrest. If the necessary blood is not available and there is no way to wait, then doctors use a universal group.

In this article we will look at what a universal blood donor is.

Historical data

Only in 1900, the Austrian microbiologist K. Landsteiner found out that the blood of all people can be divided into types A, B and C. The outcome of the procedure will depend on this.

And already in 1940, the same scientist discovered the Rh factor, so the ability to save the lives of victims turned out to be an easily achievable goal.

However, in emergency situations, there may be a need for urgent transfusion, when there is absolutely no time to determine and search for blood that is suitable for the blood group and Rh factor.

What is the universal donor group?

Therefore, scientists asked the question: is it possible to select a universal group that could be infused into all patients who need it.

The universal blood group is the first. This is based on the fact that when interacting with other groups, flocs were formed in some cases, but not in others. The flakes were formed as a result of red blood cells gluing together. This process, called agglutination, resulted in death.

We will talk about the universal donor below.

Principles of dividing blood into groups

Each red blood cell on its surface carries a set of proteins determined genetically. The blood group is determined by a complex of antigens, which, accordingly, is different for different groups. Representatives of the first blood group do not have it at all, therefore, when transfused to representatives of other blood groups, the antigens do not cause a conflict in the donor’s body and, as a result, the agglutination process does not occur.

In people with the second blood group, antigen A is determined, with the third group - antigen B, and in people with the fourth, respectively, a combination of antigens A and B.

The liquid component of blood (its plasma) contains antibodies, the action of which is aimed at identifying foreign antigens. Thus, agglutinin a is determined against antigen A, and agglutinin against antigen B.

In the first group, both types of agglutinins are detected, in the second group - only in, in the third - a, in the fourth there are no antibodies.

The concept of a universal donor is based on this.

Compatibility

The result of the interaction of components of one group with another determines compatibility. Incompatibility occurs when transfusion of donor blood contains an antigen or agglutinin that is the same as the recipient's own antigens or antibodies. This leads to the clumping of red blood cells, closing the lumen of the vessel and slowing down the flow of oxygen to the tissues. Also, such clots “clog” the kidney tissue with the development of acute renal failure, leading to death. An identical situation can arise during pregnancy, when the mother develops antibodies to blood antigens of the developing fetus.

It is important to remember that the blood type of a universal donor is first or 0.

Compatibility Determination

It is necessary to mix the blood serum of the person who will receive the blood transfusion (recipient) with a drop of donor blood and evaluate the result after 3-5 minutes. If flakes have formed from stuck together erythrocyte clots, then they speak of the impossibility of transfusing such blood, that is, of incompatibility.

If no changes have occurred, then such blood can be infused into the patient, but in limited quantities.

To determine the Rh factor, a drop of a chemical is added to a drop of blood, which carries out the reaction. The result is evaluated in the same way as with the previous method.

If there are indications and suitable donor blood, a so-called biological test is first performed. Its essence is that approximately 15 milliliters of blood are first infused and the patient’s reaction is observed. This is done at least three times, after which the rest is poured in.

If, during such a biological test, the patient complains of a tingling feeling at the injection site, pain in the lumbar region, a feeling of rapidly developing heat, increased heart rate, then it is necessary to immediately stop the administration, even if it is blood from a universal donor.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn

It occurs as a result of incompatibility between the blood of mother and child, while the fetal body is recognized as a foreign body containing antigens, therefore antibodies are formed in the body of a pregnant woman.

When they interact, the blood coagulates, and pathologically unfavorable processes develop in the body of the developing fetus.

There are 3 forms of hemolytic disease:

Edema.
Jaundice.
Anemic.

The most easily occurring is the anemic form, in which the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells decreases.

Predisposing factors for the development of this pathology in children are:

Pathological changes in the placenta.
Repeated frequent pregnancies with short intervals.

We found out which blood is a universal donor.

A blood group is an immunogenetic blood characteristic that allows one to combine the blood of people based on the similarity of antigens that are found in the blood of each person (an antigen is a substance foreign to the body that causes a protective reaction of the body in the form of the formation of antibodies). The presence or absence of one or another antigen, as well as possible combinations of them, create thousands of variants of antigenic structures inherent in people. Antigens are grouped into groups called AB0, Rhesus and many others systems.

AB0 blood groups

It was found that when the erythrocytes of some individuals are mixed with the blood serum of other individuals, sometimes an agglutination reaction occurs (blood clotting with the formation of flakes), and sometimes not. Blood clots when certain antigens of one blood group (they are called agglutinogens), which are found in red blood cells, combine with antibodies another group (they were called agglutinins), located in plasma - the liquid part of the blood. A total of four blood groups have been identified based on this trait.

The division of blood according to the AB0 system into four groups is based on the fact that the blood may or may not contain antigens (agglutinogens) A and B, as well as antibodies (agglutinins) α (alpha or anti-A) and β (beta or anti-B) .

From universal donor to universal recipient

Blood group I - does not contain agglutinogens (antigens), but contains agglutinins (antibodies) α and β. It is designated 0 (I). Since this group does not contain foreign particles (antigens), it can be transfused to all people. A person with this blood type is a universal donor.
Group II contains agglutinogen (antigen) A and agglutinin β (antibodies to agglutinogen B), it is designated A β (II). It can be transfused only to those groups that do not contain antigen B - these are groups I and II.
Group III contains agglutinogen (antigen) B and agglutinin α (antibodies to agglutinogen A) - designated as Bα (III). This group can be transfused only to those groups that do not contain antigen A - these are groups I and III.
IV blood group contains agglutinogens (antigens) A and B, but does not contain agglutinins (antibodies) - AB0 (IV), it can only be transfused to those who have the same fourth blood group. But, since there are no antibodies in the blood of such people that can stick to antigens introduced from outside, they can be transfused with blood of any group. People with blood group IV are universal recipients.

Compatibility

The blood belonging to one or another group and the presence of certain antibodies in it indicate the compatibility (or incompatibility) of the blood of individuals. Incompatibility can occur, for example, when fetal blood enters the mother's body during pregnancy (if the mother has antibodies to fetal blood antigens) or when receiving blood from a different group.

When antigens and antibodies of the AB0 system interact, sticking of red blood cells occurs (agglutination or hemolysis), and clusters of red blood cells are formed that cannot pass through small vessels and capillaries and clog them (blood clots form). The kidneys become clogged, acute renal failure occurs. - a very serious condition, which, if emergency measures are not taken, leads to the death of a person.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Hemolytic disease of newborns manifests itself in three forms: edematous, icteric and anemic.

In medicine, blood, as a biological material, has four main groups. If a transfusion is necessary, specialists focus specifically on the blood group, however, if there is no suitable one or no one can donate the required group, then they use a universal one.

Research has shown that some blood types may be completely incompatible when transfused. Consequently, if a person is infused with biological material that is not compatible with his blood type, then the result can be expected to be fatal.

Detailed characteristics of each blood group

Group	Description
I(O)	This group is also defined as zero, universal. It contains no antigens, so the first group is considered compatible with all others. If a donor of group zero has a positive Rh, then a transfusion can be given to a person with any group, but with a positive Rh
II (A)	The second group is less universal, since it is used only for patients with group II or IV. Due to the fact that aggutinogen A and agglutinin beta are present in the blood. If Rh is positive, then such blood can be transfused only to recipients of groups II and IV with the same Rh factor
III (B)	Like the second group, the third can be transfused only to carriers of group III or IV. Taking into account the Rh factor, donation of III + group is possible to III and IV groups with positive Rh, and III - with the corresponding groups, regardless of Rh.
IV (AB)	It is one of the rarest groups because it contains two unique antigens. Transfusions to carriers of this blood group are possible from a carrier of any other group, but only a recipient with group IV can donate their blood. IV + blood can only be transfused to a recipient with the same Rh

Attention! Based on the data in the table, we can come to the conclusion that the first group remains the universal group, which does not contain antigens. It is donors with blood group zero who can donate their biological material for transfusions to all carriers of other blood groups.

Compatibility

Almost 50% of the entire population has the first group, the second is limited to approximately 30%, the third barely reaches 15%, and the fourth - no more than 5%. Blood is characterized by positive or negative Rh, so it must be taken into account when transfusing. This is very important because in Rh positive the antigen is located on top of the red blood cells. It is extremely rare to meet people with negative Rhesus, where the antigen is absent.

Reference! Women who are Rh negative may face pregnancy problems in the future. It is possible that conception will have complications if the child inherits Rh positive from the father.

When transfusing, specialists use two concepts: the recipient, the one who accepts the biological material, and the donor, who gives the blood. Based on this:

Group 1 is suitable only for Group 1;
The 2nd group is suitable for both the 1st and 2nd;
3rd group will suit 1st and 3rd;
Group 4 is suitable for all groups.

It is important! Depending on who will be the recipient and who will be the donor, compatibility will be determined. For example, group 4 (as a recipient) is compatible with all other groups.

Blood incompatibility

Blood donation remains a vital part of medicine to save lives in various clinical situations. In case of incompatibility of groups, the donor blood clots, but the necessary blood continues to actively circulate. Therefore, before the procedure, it is imperative to carry out a manipulation to establish the compatibility of blood and rhesus.

If a person is infused with incompatible biological material:

blood can clot instantly;
clogging of blood vessels will occur;
the oxygen that reaches the cells will be blocked due to unsuitable biological material.

The result is the same - the death of the body occurs. Therefore, it is strictly contraindicated to transfuse incompatible blood, both by group and by Rhesus. Transfusion of a universal group (to date this is the first) can be carried out only in case of emergency.

Note! The universality of the first group lies in the absence of antigens. In addition, when transfusing the zero group, no agglutination process is observed. However, a recipient with group 1 only needs a donor with a similar group. If another group of biological material is infused, the person may die instantly.

You can learn about innovative technologies that allow transfusion of any blood and the versatility of group 1 in this video.

Video - Universal human blood

Need for transfusion

The blood transfusion procedure is very life-threatening and is therefore performed only in cases of extreme necessity. In this case, the indications are as follows:

Increased blood loss (mainly due to injury or after a car accident).
If the patient has an illness characterized by a lack of red blood cells (for example, severe anemia).
Complicated intoxication.
Blood infection.
Sepsis.
Hematological diseases of a malignant nature.

Human blood contains various substances and performs vital functions in the body. With the help of the circulatory system, cells are saturated with oxygen and various nutrients. When the amount of blood decreases, there is a real threat to human life. It is not surprising that with the development of medicine, scientists began to wonder about the process of blood transfusion from a healthy person to a sick person. Over time, the problem of group compatibility arose: which blood type suits everyone?

Division into blood groups

The system of blood transfusion or blood transfusion was first tested at the end of the 17th century. First, experiments were carried out on animals, and after successful results, the system was tested on humans. The first experiments were also successful. However, many procedures ended unsuccessfully, and this fact haunted the scientists of their time. Many leading experts in the field of medicine studied the transfusion system and blood composition. The Austrian scientist K. Landsteiner achieved success in the study in 1900.

Thanks to this immunologist, three main types of blood were discovered. The first compatibility diagram and recommendations for transfusion were also drawn up. Some time later, a fourth group was discovered and described. K. Landsteiner did not stop his research there and in 1940 he discovered the existence of the Rh factor. Thus, possible incompatibility between donor and recipient was minimized.

When is a transfusion necessary?

A situation when a person may need a blood transfusion can arise at any moment. Therefore, it is very important to know your blood type and Rh factor. This information must be included in the personal medical record, but unforeseen circumstances may take you by surprise, and then the patient must provide the doctor with all the information about himself.

What biological components are used for transfusion:

Components	Application
Red blood cell mass	Used when blood loss is 30% or more of the total. The reasons for this condition can be different: complications during surgery, severe injuries, car accidents, blood loss during childbirth, etc.
Leukocyte mass	Donation is used when there is a significant decrease in leukocytes as a result of a decrease in the number of white blood cells after chemotherapy or radiation sickness, etc.
Platelet mass	Transplantation of biological material is carried out for diseases that cause deviations in hematopoietic function.
Frozen blood plasma	Used to treat patients with liver diseases, as well as with extensive bleeding.

Before preparing for major medical procedures, basic medical examinations of the patient are required.

Upon admission to inpatient treatment, before surgery, when registering pregnant women, etc. In case of unforeseen complications, it is necessary to determine the blood type.

In order to donate biological material and become a donor, you must contact one of the medical institutions. Healthy citizens aged 18–60 years and weighing more than 50 kg are allowed to donate. A potential donor must be healthy, free from pathologies and any abnormalities. At least two weeks must pass after the last dose of medication. You should inform your doctor about past infections and medications you are taking.

Compatibility by groups and Rh factor

The process of using blood for transfusion is complicated by the fact that the donor and recipient must be compatible. Thanks to the results of many years of scientific research, today doctors around the world have comprehensive information on how to save lives through transfusion.

Which blood group can be used for transfusion to all people:

Biomaterial from donors of the first group (O or I) can be transfused to everyone. This material does not contain antigen cells, special hereditary characteristics of type A and B. The versatility of the biological material allows medical institutions to stock up for emergency cases.
Blood of the second group (A or II), which is suitable as a donor for two groups at once, contains two types of antibodies (A and B).
The third or type B (III) is compatible with recipients of the third and fourth groups.
Biomaterial from donors of the fourth group (AB or IV) is extremely rare and contains two types of antibodies A and B. This material is used only for transfusion to patients with group 4.

For a long time, scientists of the last century were preoccupied with finding a universal donor, a person whose biological material could be used for transfusion to any recipient.

Such a need could arise in emergency situations, for example, on the battlefield or while providing assistance to the wounded in an accident.

How biological material is selected for transfusion to people of different groups. The reaction of recipients to the transfused material was studied.

Representatives of the first (O or I) category are only suitable for the same type of biological material as theirs.
People with the second group (A or II) can be infused with biological material of the first and second groups.
For a person of the third group (B or III), blood from a donor with the first or third is suitable.
A recipient of a universal blood group, fourth category (AB or IV), is suitable for a donor of absolutely any type.

Despite the scientists' well-founded conclusions, the first universal group did not always give positive results when transfused. There have been cases when agglutination occurred even with compatible indicators. Research on the compatibility of donor and recipient is still ongoing and being improved.

For a recipient with RH- (Rh factor negative), it is incompatible to use a donor with RH+ (Rh factor positive) for transfusion. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in serious violations that can lead to death. Determining the compatibility of biological material is a complex process in which errors are unacceptable.

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