August 9, 2006
1:00pm-2:30pm

Transfusion When Nothing is Compatible: Evaluating and Managing Risk

The Transfusion Service may encounter situations where there are no units compatible with the patient. This can result from autoantibodies, complex multiple antibodies and antibodies to high incidence antigens, or a combination of one or more of these serologic problems. The laboratory needs to be able to provide the clinician serologic information to help them evaluate risk and possible treatment options. The clinician needs to take the laboratory data/conclusions and determine how to treat and monitor the patient. Case studies will be used when applicable to illustrate this combination of laboratory and clinical cooperation and coordination to treat the patient in these situations.