Well, we require 2 blood types on a new patient; one on automation and the other by tube. That is why we saw a discrepancy.  Apparently it is also recommended to give washed RBCs to these patients.  As to what would occur if you gave AB......not sure.  We just restricted the patient to Group O Washed RBCs at the recommendation of the Reference Lab Medical Director.

Brenda Hutson, MT(ASCP)SBB

Washed? Yikes! Hope the patient doesn't need too much transfusion support. That would be a good refresher for staff, though, unless you are (un)lucky enough to have other patients with this requirement more than once in a blue moon.

Fascinating study. Thank you for sharing.