How do I manage O- red blood cell inventory.

Currently there are no widely accepted guidelines regarding the appropriate use of O- red blood cells (RBCs). Although there has been a decline in overall RBC utilization since 2010, the use of O- RBCs has continued to proportionally increase over this time period resulting in frequent shortages. When faced with these shortages, we implemented some simple strategies that resulted in a significant decrease in annual O- RBC utilization from 10% to 7.

Should we be screening for anti-Js(a)?

We analyzed our historic patient database at North Shore University Hospital and determined both the overall frequency of anti-Js(a) and the frequency at which it was detected in combination with other alloantibodies to red blood cell (RBC) antigens. Screening cells used currently are negative for Js(a). Our data suggest that anti-Js(a) would not be detected in 30 to 40 percent of patients in which it is the sole antibody present.