- With Mayo Clinic hematologist
Ruben Mesa, M.D.
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Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology and is a consultant and section head in the Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an associate professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
The Chicago-area native's primary field of interest is hematology with special interests in both acute and chronic leukemias — specifically the chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs).
"I believe patients' understanding of their disease is a critical first step in the healing process," he says. "I believe that the Internet, carefully used, is a phenomenal resource for patients to be able to access high-quality and valuable information to understand both their diseases and various treatments."
Dr. Mesa has been with Mayo Clinic throughout his training since 1991 and is a graduate of Mayo Medical School. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Physicians.
His scholarship has focused on advancing the understanding and therapy of the chronic myeloproliferative disorders. In these disorders, he has been active in evaluating novel therapeutics, implementing clinical trials, working with quality of life studies, and actively involved with national patient groups.
He is supported in these efforts by research funding from the National Cancer Institute, the MPD Foundation, and Mayo Clinic's Hematologic Malignancy Program. He is principal investigator in several trials specifically for myelofibrosis, and is organizing a trial using exercise to counteract MPD-associated fatigue. He is committed to improving the therapy and quality of life in MPD patients. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on these disorders.
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Question
Universal blood donor type: Is there such a thing?
Is there a universal blood donor type?
Answer
from Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Blood is classified by type:
- Type A
- Type B
- Type AB
- Type O
Blood is also classified by rhesus (Rh) factor, which refers to a specific antigen in the blood. If your blood has the antigen, you're Rh positive. If your blood lacks the antigen, you're Rh negative.
At one time, type O negative blood was considered the universal blood donor type. This implied that anyone — regardless of blood type — could receive type O negative blood without risking a transfusion reaction. However, even type O negative blood may have antibodies that cause serious reactions during a transfusion.
Ideally, blood transfusions are done with donated blood that's an exact match for type and Rh factor. Even then, small samples of the recipient's and donor's blood are mixed to check compatibility in a process known as crossmatching. In an emergency, however, type O negative red blood cells may be given to anyone — especially if the situation is life-threatening or the matching blood type is in short supply.
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- Blood donation frequently asked questions. American Association of Blood Banks. http://www.aabb.org/Content/Donate_Blood/Blood_Donation_FAQs. Accessed Sept. 18, 2008.
- FAQs about blood and blood needs. American Red Cross. http://www.givelife2.org/aboutblood/faq.asp. Accessed Sept. 18, 2008.
- Cohen DW. Compatibility testing. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 18, 2008.
- Secord AR, et al. The incompatible crossmatch. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 18, 2008.
- Westhoff CM. Molecular testing for transfusion medicine. Current Opinion in Hematology. 2006;13(6):471-475.
