Solution Analysis: Blood Components in Clinical Practice

The question asks to identify the correct statement about blood components commonly used in clinical settings.

Evaluating Blood Component Statements

• Option 1: ABO blood group antigens are polypeptide chains... This is incorrect. ABO antigens are primarily carbohydrates (oligosaccharides) attached to lipid or protein carriers on the red blood cell (RBC) surface, not polypeptide chains themselves.
• Option 2: Platelets can be stored for upto 35 days. This is incorrect. Platelets have a short shelf life, typically around 5 to 7 days under specific storage conditions, due to their sensitivity and risk of bacterial contamination.
• Option 3: Hemolytic disease of newborn... IgA anti RBC antibodies... This is incorrect. Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is typically caused by maternal IgG antibodies (like Rh or ABO antibodies) that can cross the placenta, not IgA antibodies.
• Option 4: Transfusion associated GVHD can be prevented by prior irradiation of transfused blood. This statement is correct. Transfusion-associated Graft-versus-Host Disease (TA-GVHD) occurs when viable donor lymphocytes in the transfused blood engraft and attack the recipient. Irradiation inactivates these lymphocytes, preventing their proliferation and thereby preventing TA-GVHD. This is a crucial measure, particularly for immunocompromised recipients or when blood is donated by a blood relative.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, only the statement regarding the prevention of TA-GVHD by irradiating blood products is accurate in the context of clinical practice.