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.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin H. Steinberg, MD - Hematology