ABO mismatched but clinically permissible? —An audit of non-identical component transfusions

Abstract

ABO-identical transfusions are ideal in transfusion practice to ensure maximum safety and efficacy. However, in practical settings such as emergencies or stock shortages, non-identical but compatible transfusions may be necessary. This audit evaluated the frequency, justification, and outcomes of ABO non-identical component transfusions in a tertiary care blood centre, with the goal of ensuring continued adherence to transfusion safety standards. Out of the 1598 transfusions in the study period 48 (3%) were non-ABO identical. One non-identical transfusion resulted in a transfusion reaction (0.3%) whereas 1.1% of ABO transfusions reported a transfusion reaction. There were no hemolytic transfusion reactions in the study period.