What happens to a donor's DNA in a blood transfusion?

Studies have shown that donor DNA in blood transfusion recipients persists for a number of days, sometimes longer, but its presence is unlikely to alter genetic tests significantly. Red blood cells, the primary component in transfusions, have no nucleus and no DNA. read more

Transfused blood does, however, host a significant amount of DNA-containing white blood cells, or leukocytes—around a billion cells per unit (roughly one pint) of blood. Even blood components that have been filtered to remove donor white cells can have millions of leukocytes per unit. read more

Reader Cathy wrote in wondering what becomes of a donor’s DNA once it gets inside another person during a blood transfusion. Most of the time, the answer is nothing, because the donor’s DNA never makes the trip to a new home. read more