ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant: What If Blood Groups Don’t Match?
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ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant: What If Blood Groups Don’t Match?
Navaneeth P S
Updated on January 30, 2026
Medically verified by Navaneeth P S
Fact checked by Dr. Arya

Wellness
10 minutes
Being told that your blood group doesn’t match your kidney donor can feel devastating. For years, this meant transplant was not possible.
Today, medical science offers hope through ABO incompatible kidney transplant.
So the big question is: Can a kidney transplant work if blood groups are different?
What Is an ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant?
ABO incompatible kidney transplant means:
- The donor and recipient have different blood groups
- The transplant is done after special medical preparation
- The body’s immune reaction is carefully controlled
Earlier, this was considered unsafe. Now, with modern protocols, it is increasingly successful.
Why Blood Group Matching Matters in Transplant
Normally, the immune system:
- Recognizes mismatched blood groups as “foreign”
- Attacks the transplanted kidney
- Causes immediate rejection
ABO incompatible transplants work by reducing or blocking this immune response before surgery.
How ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant Works
Doctors follow a structured treatment plan that may include:
- Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) to remove harmful antibodies
- Immunosuppressive medicines to calm the immune system
- Rituximab injection to reduce antibody production
- Careful antibody level monitoring
Once antibody levels are safe, the transplant is performed.
Who Can Consider ABO Incompatible Transplant?
You may be eligible if:
- You have a willing living donor
- Blood groups do not match
- You are medically fit for transplant
- A compatible donor is not available
This option is especially helpful for:
- Patients with limited donor choices
- Patients waiting too long for a matched kidney
Blood groups don’t match? Ask Rua about “ABO Incompatible” success rates. Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA for personalized guidance.
Success Rates of ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant
With experienced transplant centers:
- Short-term success rates are close to compatible transplants
- Long-term outcomes continue to improve
Success depends on:
- Hospital experience
- Patient health
- Strict follow-up care
Modern data shows many patients enjoy normal kidney function for years.
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Is ABO Incompatible Transplant Safe?
Yes—when done in specialized centers.
However, compared to compatible transplants:
- Risk of infection may be slightly higher
- Cost is usually higher
- Follow-up is more intensive
Doctors carefully explain risks and benefits before proceeding.
Cost of ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant in India
The cost is higher due to extra treatments.
Approximate cost range in India:
USD 18,000 – 25,000 (depending on hospital and treatment protocol)
Despite this, India remains more affordable than many Western countries.
Not sure if this option fits your budget or condition? Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA for clear cost guidance.
Why Many Patients Choose India for ABO Incompatible Transplant
India offers:
- Highly experienced transplant teams
- Advanced immunology labs
- Strict legal and ethical protocols
- High success rates
- Affordable treatment compared to global standards
Patients from Bangladesh, Oman, Kenya, Mauritius, and Africa travel to India for ABO incompatible kidney transplants.
Legal Considerations in India
All kidney transplants—compatible or incompatible—must follow:
- Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOTA)
- Authorization Committee approval
- Proper donor-recipient documentation
Blood group mismatch does not change legal requirements.
How Karetrip Helps with ABO Incompatible Transplants
At karetrip.com we guide international patients through advanced transplant options safely and legally.
We help with:
- Hospital selection for ABO incompatible transplant
- Medical opinion and antibody assessment
- Cost estimates and treatment planning
- Legal documentation support
- Medical visas, travel, and accommodation
- End-to-end patient support
Confused about blood group mismatch and transplant options? Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA for expert guidance.
Medical Disclaimer:
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified transplant specialist for personalized guidance.
Blood group mismatch no longer blocks kidney transplant
ABO incompatible transplant is a proven option
Special immune treatment is required before surgery
Success rates are high in experienced centers
India offers affordable and advanced transplant care
Karetrip and RUA support patients at every step
Source Links
National Kidney Foundation – Blood Group & Transplant:
World Health Organization (WHO) – Transplantation Ethics:
