22 May 2025 (Thursday) - B Platelets

From the Blood Bank Professionals group… It has been reported that bites from the Lone Star tick can cause the formation of specific IgE antibodies targeting galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal). This is found in red meat and so can cause allergic reactions when you scoff any, when hitherto you’ve been shoving it down your neck like there’s no tomorrow.
Bearing in mind that there’s loads of ticks in the woods where I often walk the dogs perhaps I need to think about anti-tick treatments for myself as well as the dogs. You never know – what is good for an American tick might be good for a UK one.
 
Yes – I know… what has this got to do with CPD? Well, it turns out that this galactose-α-1,3-galactose stuff isn’t chemically unlike the B-antigen. Antibodies to galactose-α-1,3-galactose can cross-react with the B-antigen and cause a mast cell response.
 
It has been suggested that this has been seen in group B platelets which have been transfused to group O patients who’ve been suspected of having been bitten by these ticks who have received group B platelets.
Something which according to all the guidelines is perfectly acceptable.
Should we restrict the use of group B platelets?

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