Defining the clinical need for rare red blood cells

Transfusion support of patients with antibodies against high frequency ( HF ) antigens or a combination of antibodies that is rare is challenging and requires multidisciplinary cooperation. The treating physician should decide if there is a definitive clinical need for red blood cell ( RBC ) transfusion for the specific patient. According to recent clinical trials RBC transfusion is usually not indicated if the patient is haemodynamically stable and the haemoglobin (Hb) is higher than 7 g/dl. Alternative strategies for patient support might be required if rare blood is unavailable or while awaiting rare RBC unit arrival from national or international sources.