The utilization of rare blood donors

Abstract

When transfusion is needed for a patient with a rare blood type and the corresponding antibody, it can be challenging and lead to delays in transfusion. Sometimes, the blood cannot be found. Globally, the community of rare donor facilities is extremely collaborative and is quickly engaged in locating and delivering blood to the patients in need of rare blood types. Identifying the rare donor is a resource‐intensive activity in every country especially in times of shrinking human and reagent resources. This paper will discuss the process flow for obtaining blood for patient's requiring rare types and the critical steps for each facility in the supply chain. The local facility plays a vital role in the knowledge of patient need and interaction with the patient's physician. The national facility that coordinates obtaining rare blood internationally also plays a vital role. The International Blood Group Reference Laboratory in Bristol as one of its roles, maintains the International Rare Donor Panel and also plays a vital role. These three roles hold the responsibility for collaboration to identify and obtain blood for patients in need. While there are differences in each country's definition of rare blood types, all are in agreement to assist when a country needs blood products. The International Society Blood Transfusion working party for rare donors plays a critical, collaborative role in developing processes between countries to further rare blood transfers between countries and providing expertise when needed. Outcome data are difficult to obtain, therefore success and ultimate improvement is a challenge. This challenge is one that the needs to be met to improve patient outcomes in cases where rare blood is needed throughout the world.