[Routine examination for the presence of antierythrocyte antibodies. Practical consequences with regard to indications for transfusion in a surgical context (author's transl)]. / Recherche systématique des anticorps antiérythrocytaires. Conséquences pratiques sur l'attitude transfusionnelle en milieu chirurgical.

Routine examination in pre-operative patients revealed the presence of anti-erythrocyte antibodies in 1.23 per cent of cases. Such examination made it possible to avoid, despite strict compability in ABO Rhesus groups, a transfusional immunological conflict in 0.45 per cent of cases, i.e. 7 patients in one year. This provides preventive cover wihich would seem, in surgical context, to be the easiest ti undertake, the most reliable and, in fact, the most economical: widened application of examinations for anti-erythrocyte antibodies together with the avoidance of all unnecessary transfusions.