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CD-ROM Today 1996 January
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01336.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK01336}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Are Anti-Kell Antibodies?}
$Subject{anti-kell antibodies blood forming antibody transfusion antigens red
cells immune response typed a b o rh-d kell duffy kidd rh hemolysis
transfusions antigen cell immunity system systems}
$Volume{D-7,U-7}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
What Are Anti-Kell Antibodies?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I have been a regular blood donor since 1960. Recently I received
a letter from our local Red Cross Blood Bank informing me that I have
anti-Kell antibodies and that doctors should be made aware of this if I ever
need a blood transfusion. Exactly what are anti-Kell antibodies?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: There are many types of antigens present on red cells. An antigen is
any substance capable, under appropriate conditions, of producing a specific
immune response. Usually blood is typed for A, B, O and Rh-D antigens during
a normal test, but the other antigens, including Kell, Duffy, Kidd (all named
for their discoverers) and other Rh antigens may also produce an antibody
response. When blood containing these antibodies comes in contact with blood
possessing the matching antigens, a reaction called "hemolysis" (destruction
of red blood cells) may occur. No treatment is necessary, but when continued
transfusions are necessary, only blood that lacks the offending antigens
should be used. Specifically for you, you would need blood that has no Kell
antigens, since your own blood now has anti-Kell antibodies. It is nothing
you should be concerned about now, but is important information for your
physician should you require a transfusion.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.