on emergency-release RBC transfusion

Q: pRBC for emergency release is usually? (select one)

A) Group O, RhD-negative

B) Group O, RhD-positive

Answer: A

Blood for emergency release is usually group O, RhD-negative. 

In case it is not available, group O, RhD-positive blood can be used if the recipient is male, or female is above childbearing age. It can also be utilized in mass trauma situation where demand is high.

Contrary to popular belief, emergency release blood transfusion is relatively safe, and chances of hemolytic transfusion reaction is very low (see reference).

#hematology

#transfusion-medicine

Reference:

Goodell PP, Uhl L, Mohammed M, Powers AA. Risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions following emergency-release RBC transfusion. Am J Clin Pathol 2010; 134:202.