ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of unexpected antibodies in a population of Air Force personnel thought to be representative of the population involved in combat situations. Recipients of blood transfusions in combat situations may not be screened for the presence of unexpected (non-A, non-B) antibodies. The records of the Wilford Hall Medical Center/59th Medical Defense Wing Donor Center and Transfusion Medicine Laboratory were reviewed for the calendar years 1995 and 1996 to determine the frequency of unexpected antibodies in this center's donor population, the vast majority of whom are Air Force basic trainees. The frequency of unexpected antibodies in the basic trainee donor population was 4/10,000. Clinically significant antibodies were present in 2/10,000. Because this donor pool probably represents the potential population of combat casualties, this information is reassuring in assessing the risks associated with blood transfusion in combat situations.
Subject(s)
Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data , Blood Group Antigens/blood , Isoantibodies/blood , Mass Screening/methods , Military Personnel/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sensitivity and Specificity , Texas , Transfusion ReactionABSTRACT
Our study is intended to determine if the blood types recorded on identification cards carried by U.S. Air Force personnel contain significant errors. We studied 262 active duty Air Force personnel. Eleven errors in blood type information were identified, including seven Rh type errors and six ABO typing errors. Such errors may arise when self-reporting of blood type is relied upon to create identification cards. The significance of these findings for wartime transfusion practices is discussed in light of current United States and NATO policy. Suggestions to reduce the error rate are offered.
