Thread by @TransfusionWM

Continuing the theme of the fortnight #Onegoal

Most O D neg blood goes to O D neg patients, but 16% is used in emergencies. Hopefully the #haemSpRs know that in this setting it is recommended only be used for people of childbearing potential, and until the blood group is known

In an emergency, group specific blood can usually be available 15-20 minutes following receipt of the (2nd) sample – depending on local SOPs. Fully cross matched blood should be available within 30-45 mins (providing the antibody screen is negative).

If the antibody screen is positive, group specific can still be issued pending antibody ID; O D neg is no safer in this scenario. Risks of transfusing need to be weighed against risks of not.

In an emergency 2 samples are still required. This might include a historic group if the patient is previously known but often in e.g. trauma 2 samples will need to be taken in quick succession.

Ideally these should be taken by different people but the key element is that the process of positive patient identification needs to be done in its entirety each time.

Group specific blood is ABO and D matched, and issued in the absence of a completed antibody screen/workup. It is just as “safe” as giving O D neg (assuming no WBIT or other errors with patient ID!).

Many hospitals have O D neg blood in satellite fridges pre issued for use in an emergency. We call these “flyers” but I don’t think anyone else does!

*Question time* #blooducation
What are the specifications for O D neg flyers?