Converted blood groups 'could boost transfusion supply'
Blood transfusions could become safer, study claims
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Monday, 02, Apr 2007 01:55
A system of converting blood from groups A, B and AB into group O could help to make transfusions safer and increase the supply of blood acceptable to all people, scientists have claimed.
At present only group O blood is described as 'universal' while blood from groups A, B and AB individuals can only be given to certain people.
Correct matching of blood types for transfusions is essential as mistakes can lead to severe and potentially fatal reactions.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way of using newly isolated enzymes to convert blood cells in group A, B and AB blood into group O cells.
These enzymes remove sugar molecules from cells' surfaces that trigger an immune reaction against the cells from a recipient with a different blood type.
"Clinical translation of this approach may allow improvement of the blood supply and enhancement of patient safety in transfusion medicine," the researchers write in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
Clinical trials will now be carried out to assess whether universal blood produced in this way is both safe and effective.
Geoff Daniels of the NHS Blood and Transport Authority said that he awaits the results of these trials "with interest".
"If clinical trials demonstrate that the enzyme-converted O cells are safe and efficacious for transfusion, and the process can be made cost effective, then production of O cells from A, B and AB cells would be a boost to the blood supply," he said.