Can blood be transfused between immediate family members with the same blood type?
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Even among family members with the same blood type, direct blood transfusion is not recommended, primarily due to the risk of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). Although the incidence is relatively low, the mortality rate is extremely high, reaching 80% to 90%. Blood transfusions between immediate family members, especially first-degree relatives such as parents, children, and siblings, carry a 10 to 20 times higher incidence rate compared to transfusions between non-relatives.
In most cases, direct blood transfusion between close relatives is not allowed. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Even if their blood types match, blood transfusion between close relatives is not recommended, primarily due to the risk of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). This disease is caused by the proliferation and subsequent attack on the recipient's organs and tissues by viable lymphocytes from the donor's blood. Although its incidence is relatively low, the mortality rate is extremely high, reaching 80% to 90%. The incidence of TA-GVHD in blood transfusions between close relatives, especially first-degree relatives such as parents, children, and siblings, is 10 to 20 times higher than in non-relatives.
According to relevant laws and regulations in China, hospitals or medical institutions typically cannot directly collect blood from a patient's close relatives for transfusion; instead, blood products must be provided by local blood centers or blood banks.
In all cases, guidance and recommendations from medical institutions should be followed to ensure the safety and legality of the blood transfusion process.
