WB products

WB products listed from most to least preferred:

- Identify LTOWB donors before deployment. Test all personnel with group O blood for anti-A and anti-B antibodies; low titer is defined as immunoglobulin M anti-A and anti-B ratio less than 1:256.

- Test for transfusion transmitted diseases (TTDs) before deployment and maintain a roster of donors while deployed. Repeat TTD testing every 90 to 120 days when possible.

- If adequate staff available, confirm ABO group of LTOWB donor prior to transfusing patient using Eldon card or other approved ABO testing kit. If the wrong blood group is transfused, there is a possibility of fatal transfusion reaction.

 

Note: If blood-group testing has not been performed on the casualty before receiving LTOWB, it may not be possible to establish the underlying blood group and they should only receive universal donor blood products. Every effort should be made to obtain a blood sample for later typing before transfusion of LTOWB.

When WB cannot be obtained, resuscitation using blood products should proceed according to the order of priority for fluid administration, targeting an equal balance of all blood products that are available (RBCs, plasma, platelets).

Transfusion  notes