AABB is urging hospitals to remain highly vigilant in managing their blood inventories, especially type O negative red blood cells and AB plasma, as these products are in short supply this summer. AABB recommends hospitals reserve AB plasma for blood group AB patients with definitive transfusion needs. For situations where type O negative red blood cells and AB plasma are used as part of a massive transfusion protocol for patients of unknown blood type, every effort should be made to obtain a blood type for the patient as soon as possible. “Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply is critical to the nation’s public health and a priority for the medical community,” said Miriam A. Markowitz, CEO of AABB. Hospitals are urged to follow available clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of individual blood products. AHA and AABB collaborated on a toolkit to assist hospitals as they implement a patient blood management approach as a component of their care planning decisions. 

Related News Articles

Headline
An article in the October edition of AHA Trustee Insights explains how boards can effectively lead aging care efforts as the nation’s population grows older…
Headline
The AHA has released a social media toolkit in advance of National Rural Health Day Nov. 20 that includes advocacy-focused posts for hospitals and health…
Headline
The median net launch price for 154 new drugs increased 51% between 2022 and 2024, after accounting for inflation and discounts, according to a report released…
Headline
The AHA commented Oct. 24 on the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed weighted selection process for registrants and petitioners participating in the H-…
Perspective
Public
Getting an annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…
Headline
The government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate is expected to adjourn Oct. 23 with no plans to vote this weekend. The chamber Oct…