ABO Incompatible Transplant

ABO incompatible transplantation refers to kidney transplants where the donor’s blood type differs from the recipient’s. In a typical match, both individuals share the same blood type, which reduces the risk of the recipient’s immune system rejecting the new organ. However, ABO incompatible transplants have become more feasible due to medical advances. Prior to the transplant, the recipient may undergo treatments such as plasmapheresis or specific antibody removal to decrease their immune response against the donor’s blood type. This allows for a successful transplant, giving more patients access to potentially life-saving kidneys.