Question

Give reason for the following:

The blood groups of both the donor and recipient must be known before transfusing blood.

Answer 1

During blood transfusion it is important that the blood groups of the donor and the recipient
are compatible. In case of an incompatible blood transfusion, the recipient develops
antibodies that attack the antigens present on the RBCs of the donor causing the blood cells
to clump together which may result in death. The examination of Rh factor is also necessary
for the blood transfusion. Therefore, the blood groups of both the donor and recipient must
be known before transfusing blood.