Defining the clinical need for rare red blood cells

Abstract

Transfusion support of patients with antibodies against high frequency (HF) antigens or a combination of antibodies that is rare is challenging and requires multidisciplinary cooperation.The treating physician should decide if there is a definitive clinical need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion for the specific patient. According to recent clinical trials RBC transfusion is usually not indicated if the patient is haemodynamically stable and the haemoglobin (Hb) is higher than 7 g/dl. Alternative strategies for patient support might be required if rare blood is unavailable or while awaiting rare RBC unit arrival from national or international sources.