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TraQ Program of the PBCO

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 Quiz 

Answer (Question 2)

Describe the course of alloimmunization to red cell antigens. 
 

Primary alloimmunization becomes apparent by detection of antibody weeks or months after transfusion.  Approximately 1 - 3% of  transfused recipients develop detectable antibodies; the incidence increases in multi-transfused patients.  Hemolysis does usually not occur with 1o immunization because donor red cells  have disappeared before circulating antibody achieves a clinically significant level.

 
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