Sophie Adamantos, BVSc CertVA DipACVECC MRCVS, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal
Veterinary College, UK, sadamantos@rvc.ac.uk
The red blood cell membrane is covered proteins and complex carbohydrates and hence is antigenic. Patients recognise these foreign antigens as non-self when they receive a transfusion and stimulate antibody production.