Storm on O negative blood: “collateral damage” of patient blood management?

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Véronique Deneys, Louisiane Courcelles, Christine Pirlet, Corentin Streel Published in the journal : January 2022 Category : Immunohématologie

Summary :

Patient blood management is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to personalize and optimize transfusion. In addition to the obvious benefit to the patient, applying this methodology reduces the overall consumption of blood components. A collateral effect observed is a disproportionate reduction in all blood components according to blood type, with a negligible reduction effect on O-Rh-negative red cell concentrates, thereby unbalancing the supply chain. This could herald a chronic shortage of these products. As a result, is appears essential to rebalance blood component needs and resources by working on three levers of action, which involve reducing demand, reducing waste, and optimizing supply.

Key Words

Patient Blood Management, O-Rh-negative, shortage, transfusion