Which blood type is most commonly used for intrauterine transfusions?

The most commonly used blood type for intrauterine transfusions is O-. This choice is ideal due to several important factors related to blood compatibility and safety.

O- blood is considered the universal donor type because it lacks A and B antigens on the surface of its red blood cells. This characteristic significantly reduces the risk of hemolytic reactions in the recipient, particularly important in delicate situations like intrauterine transfusions where the recipient's immune system may not be fully developed or functional.

Intrauterine transfusions are performed in situations where a fetus is at risk for anemia, typically due to Rh incompatibility or other blood-related disorders. Using O- blood minimizes the chance of transfusion reactions that could arise from incompatible antigens, offering a safer option for this procedure.

Furthermore, O- is often readily available in blood banks, particularly in emergency situations, where swift action is critical to the outcome of the transfusion and the health of the fetus.

While other blood types, such as AB+, A+, or B+, may also be transfused in certain contexts, they carry a higher risk of immunological complications due to the presence of A or B antigens. Thus, O- remains the preferred choice for intrauterine