Hi, our local Reference Lab is valiantly trying to find a Vel neg  RBC unit or two for one of our patients. He has received many Vel neg units and seems to have depleted the supply, possibly nationwide.

Just curious- what, if any, is a "typical" reaction to a patient with Anti Vel receiving a Vel pos unit? None to Severe won't help if I have to chat with the patient's MD about this. Thanks

_{Hi Karrieb61,}

 

_{I know that you said that "no to severe" would not do, but that, I am afraid is the answer!  Anti-Vel , however, should always be treated as if it is clinically significant, as a severe reaction is more common than no reaction.}

_{If no Vel- blood is available at all, or if blood is required so urgently that you cannot wait until Vel- blood can be provided, your MD could try covering the transfusion with IVIG, but even then.............}

_{If you are in the United States, several Mid Western states had units available when we went looking. Good luck.}

Have you checked the rare donor registry?

Ps- and yes- concur with Malcolm on clinical significance of anti-Vel. Does the patient have any immediate family members in area for typing?

Thanks to all for your comments. I had to take a few days off unexpectantly so sorry for the delayed thanks. We did locate a couple of units through our rare donor registry at the local reference center luckily. I hear they are going to give the patient Procrit to try and reduce his transfusions.

Many years ago we had a patient with a Vel, she would hemolyze any non Vel positive cells on the panel.  We also had problems find blood for her and we had her donate some units which we froze.  i would what happened to her.