Generally, blood of the same ABO and Rh (D) group as your patient should be used for transfusion.
Rarely, blood that is ABO and Rh (D) identical may not be available. Your transfusion laboratory will provide an alternative group.
The following table provides a guide to alternative ABO groups:
Red Cell Transfusion - ABO groups
|
| | | O | A | B | AB |
Patient
ABO
Blood
Group
| Not Known | 1 | | | |
O | 1 | | | |
A | 2 | 1 | | |
B | 2 | | 1 | |
AB | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
1 = Primary choice
2 - 4 = Secondary etc. choice where supply of ABO identical blood is limited.
Red Cell Transfusion - Rh (D) considerations
Wherever possible Rh (D) compatible blood is used. In an emergency Rh (D) Negative blood may safely be given to Rh (D) Positive recipients.
- In an emergency it may be necessary to give Rh (D) Positive red cells to a Rh (D) Negative recipient.
- Giving Rh (D) Positive blood to a Rh (D) Negative female child or woman of child bearing age should be avoided.
- Consideration of the patients sex and age will influence your decision in the use of Rh (D) Positive blood for Rh (D) negative patients.
- Your laboratory service will help ensure the appropriate blood is selected.
- Please consult with your laboratory service provider if you are uncertain.
In some States, regional and some smaller metropolitan hospitals may only hold O Rh (D) Positive red cells. These are for EMERGENCY use only. These emergency units must only be used in life threatening situations.
General Notes
Pre-transfusion testing is required for red cells. Please consult with your laboratory service provider regarding your requirements for samples and request forms.