Transfusion of Incompatible Red Blood Cell Units: Sometimes It Is the Only Option
Program Code: 214-TC
Sunday, October 24, 2004
8:30 AM to 12:00 PM (ET)

SPEAKERS
Regina M. Leger, MSQA, MT(ASCP)SBB, CMQ/OE(ASQ), American Red Cross Blood Services
Patricia Arndt, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB, American Red Cross Blood Services
Ira Shulman, MD, LAC+USC Healthcare Network
Loni Calhoun, MT(ASCP)SBB, UCLA Medical Center

DESCRIPTION
Transfusion of incompatible units, while not desirable, is sometimes unavoidable. Compatible units may not be available to patients with complex multiple alloantibodies, autoantibodies and antibodies to high-incidence antigens. Additionally, incompatible units may be selected when the antibody specificity is undetermined, the antibody is classified as clinically insignificant or an antibody is passively acquired as a part of the clinical treatment of the patient, such as IVRhIG. This session will provide vital information for the laboratory and clinical management of patients who must receive incompatible units. Serologic approaches, in-vitro assays to evaluate possible clinical significance and clinical monitoring during and after the transfusion will be discussed. Case studies will illustrate the complex and urgent situations that might result in transfusing incompatible units.

OBJECTIVES

• Evaluate serologic approaches to resolve cases when all the red blood cells are reactive
• Compare in-vitro assays for the determination of clinical significance of red cell antibodies
• Discuss the clinical monitoring of patients receiving incompatible units

AUDIENCE
Physicians, Technologists, Nurses, Managers/Supervisors

PROGRAM LEVEL
Intermediate to Advanced