One of the difficult realities for blood transfusion is that only one of eight human blood types is a universal donor. As a result, the Red Cross reports that donation shortages have reached a twenty-year high. A new scientific study has the potential to change that soon.
Scientists report the discovery of enzymes which can remove the A and B antigens (proteins) from blood. These antigens are what cause the immune reaction and limit the types of blood a patient can receive. The team is close to producing a universal blood donor from the B group, but needs additional testing to produce one from the more complex A group. Perhaps the day will come when all blood types can be made into universal donors.
Source: “Transfusion Solution?” World Magazine, June 1, 2024, p. 74
