Title | Heterogeneity in Approaches for Switching From Universal to Patient ABO Type-Specific Blood Components During Massive Hemorrhage: An International Survey and Review of the Literature. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2021 |
Authors | Karafin MS, Becker JL, Berg M, DeSimone RA, Draper NL, Hudgins J, Metcalf RA, Pagano MB, Park YA, Rossmann SN, Schwartz J, Souers R, Thomas L, Uhl L, Ramsey GE |
Journal | Arch Pathol Lab Med |
Date Published | 2021 Mar 15 |
ISSN | 1543-2165 |
Abstract | CONTEXT.—: ABO mistransfusions are rare and potentially fatal events. Protocols are required by regulatory agencies to minimize this risk to patients, but how these are applied in the context of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) is not specifically defined. OBJECTIVE.—: To evaluate the approaches used by transfusion services for switching from universally compatible to patient ABO type-specific blood components during massive hemorrhage. DESIGN.—: We added 1 supplemental multiple-choice question to address the study objective to the 2019 College of American Pathologists proficiency test J-survey (J-A 2019). We also reviewed the available literature regarding this topic. RESULTS.—: A total of 881 laboratories responded to the supplemental question. Approximately 80% (704 of 881) report a policy for ABO-type switching during an MTP. Policies varied considerably between responding laboratories, but most (384 of 704, 55%) required 2 ABO types to match before switching from universal to recipient-specific blood components. Additional safety measures used in a minority of these protocols included reaction strength criteria (103 of 704, 15%), on-call medical director approval (41 0f 704, 5.8%), universal red cell unit number limits (12 of 704, 1.7%), or the presence of a mixed field (3 of 704, 0.4%). CONCLUSIONS.—: This survey reveals that significant heterogeneity exists regarding the available approaches for ABO-type switching during an MTP. Specific expert guidance regarding this issue is very limited, and best practices have not yet been established or rigorously investigated. |
DOI | 10.5858/arpa.2020-0374-CP |
Alternate Journal | Arch Pathol Lab Med |
PubMed ID | 33720316 |
Related Faculty:
Robert DeSimone, M.D.