How do I provide rare red cells to patients?

Background The demand for rare blood is expected to increase in Canada as its population continues to expand through immigration from diverse regions of the world. Material and methods This paper outlines a national approach to providing rare red cells for patients through the Rare Blood Program of Canadian Blood Services (CBS). Data detailing the rare red cell requests and inventory managed by CBS' Rare Blood Program is provided. Results The provision of rare red cells involves multiple considerations such as multidisciplinary communication, serologic/molecular confirmation, donor recruitment, inventory optimization and logistical factors. Conclusion The description of CBS' Rare Blood Program will inform others that seek to create, optimize, or expand programs that facilitate the provision of rare blood. New technologies such as next-generation sequencing may also affect how rare donors are identified and recruited in the future.

Automated summary

This paper outlines the Rare Blood Program of Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and provides data on its management of rare red cell requests and inventory. The provision of rare red cells involves multiple considerations, including communication, confirmation, recruitment, and logistics. The paper also suggests that new technologies may affect how rare donors are identified and recruited in the future.