Tag: transfusion
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The Monocyte Monolayer Assay (MMA)
Most patients have negative results in pretransfusion testing when their serum or plasma is tested for unexpected antibodies to red cells. For most patients with positive red cell antibody screens, the antibody–for example, anti-K or anti-E–is easily identified and antigen-negative blood can be obtained if needed. But some patients have multiple antibodies or antibodies to…
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Sickle Cell Awareness Month: How the American Red Cross Mission is Meeting the Need
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease and its devastating impact on individuals and families. While sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S., occurring in 1 in 365 Black or African American births, limited healthcare resources have historically been…
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Young Apheresis Platelet Donors Give Hope To The Resiliency Of The US Platelet Supply
Summary provided by Dr. Baia Lasky Platelet demand continues to increase (1) and U.S. hospitals face frequent shortages (2). Between 2010 and 2019, the American Red Cross’ (ARC) platelet distributions increased by 16.6% (778,775 to 907,851 units); therefore, a reliable and sustainable apheresis platelet donor (APD) base is essential to support patient care. . During…
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The Home Fire Campaign: Prevention is the Best Medicine
October 14, 2022. North Las Vegas, Nevada. Cherise Coleman and her family escaped a fire unharmed at their North Las Vegas home in September 2022, thanks to free smoke alarms installed a few years earlier by American Red Cross volunteers, including Eva Stowers (left). Few disasters cause as much harm to people and their homes…