ABO Incompatibility - What is ABO Incompatibility?

Definition: ABO Incompatibility - A condition resulting from non-compatible blood types between a mother and fetus. ABO incompatibility causes an immune system response wherein the maternal and fetal blood types respond as if in an allergic response. Recipients of blood can only receive compatible types. Compatible types include:

• Type A can receive A or O
• Type B can only receive B or O
• Type O can only receive O

Symptoms of incompatibility after a blood transfusion:

• Back pain
• Blood in urine
• Jaundice and high bilirubin levels
• Anemia
• Damaged blood cells present in laboratory samples
• Fevers
• Swelling as in an allergic response
• Blood pressure changes

ABO incompatibility is treatable and must be. If not treated, ABO incompatibility can lead to kidney failure, very low blood pressure requiring intensive medical intervention, and death. Preventive actions include careful testing of patient blood types and re-checking and confirmation of blood types before any blood is given to a patient.