Alloimmunization

Alloimmunization is a response by the body's immune system to donated blood or bone marrow or a transplanted organ. In alloimmunization, a person's body develops antibodies—proteins that attack and destroy foreign substances—that target the donated material.

A person receiving repeat blood transfusions may develop antibodies to the donor blood. Alloimmunization makes repeated transfusions more difficult.

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 1, 2012
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Martin Steinberg, MD - Hematology

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