O D positive toolkit

This toolkit is for clinical and laboratory staff 

Guidance promotes using O D positive red cells for *males, aged over 18, in emergency situations to conserve O D negative red cells for patients for whom there is no alternative. 

*The terms “male”, “female” refer to the patient’s sex assigned at birth. 

O D negative red cells

These are considered a ‘universal’ blood component to use in emergencies, where the patient’s blood group is unknown, and when group specific stock is unavailable. 

There is increasing reliance on O D negative red cells and demand is also increasing. The stability of the supply chain for universal components such as O D negative red cells is a challenge for most blood services around the world; we and hospital colleagues need to work together to ensure adequate supplies are available.

We encourage you to make a difference, consider a range of initiatives and use this toolkit to implement using O D positive for males in trauma or major haemorrhage in your hospital

The toolkit promotes the safe and appropriate use of O D negative red cells