Development of Serum Antibodies

ABO Antibodies and Aging

ABO antibodies are not usually produced by an infant until 3 to 6 months of age. Antibodies found in the sera of newborns are almost always IgG, passively acquired from the mother. Thus, serum testing of newborns is not performed. Anti-A and anti-B titers are highest at ages 5-10 years and then they gradually decrease. Thus, in elderly patients, ABO antibodies may be difficult to detect. In patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, some leukemias, lymphomas or patients who are taking immunosuppressive drugs, the expected antibodies may be weak or even absent, reflecting the low levels of gamma globulin in the patient’s serum. As previously mentioned, these and other ABO typing discrepancies must be resolved before true ABO type can be determined.

Meet OSHA laboratory safety and compliance requirements with over 40 online courses for clinical laboratories. Learn more.

Introduction to the ABO Blood Group System course details »

Learn more about laboratory continuing education for ASCP, AMT, NCA, and state renewal and recertification requirements »

Get information on OSHA laboratory safety courses for clinical and medical laboratories »