Which term denotes the systemic response when incompatible blood is transfused?

Which term denotes the systemic response when incompatible blood is transfused?

• A. Hemolysis
• B. Anaphylaxis
• C. Sepsis
• D. Transfusion reaction

Answer: (D)

Transfusion reaction is the systemic response that occurs when donor blood is not compatible with the recipient. When the recipient’s immune system recognizes foreign red cell antigens, it mounts a response that can lead to destruction of donor cells and release of inflammatory mediators, producing symptoms like fever, chills, and sometimes more severe consequences. Hemolysis describes the process of red cell destruction that can happen during these reactions, so it’s a mechanism within the broader reaction. Anaphylaxis is a possible but less common severe reaction to transfusion, not the general term for incompatibility responses, and sepsis is an infection-related process, not the direct result of blood type incompatibility.

Transfusion reaction is the systemic response that occurs when donor blood is not compatible with the recipient. When the recipient’s immune system recognizes foreign red cell antigens, it mounts a response that can lead to destruction of donor cells and release of inflammatory mediators, producing symptoms like fever, chills, and sometimes more severe consequences. Hemolysis describes the process of red cell destruction that can happen during these reactions, so it’s a mechanism within the broader reaction. Anaphylaxis is a possible but less common severe reaction to transfusion, not the general term for incompatibility responses, and sepsis is an infection-related process, not the direct result of blood type incompatibility.