Use Group A high titre (HT) negative plasma components for patients of unknown blood group

There has been a large increase in the amount of FFP used during major haemorrhage, especially trauma, due to trauma teams aiming to transfuse their patients with plasma in a ratio of 1:1 with RBCs in accordance with the national major haemorrhage guidelines.

This has put an enormous strain on the supply of Group AB plasma components because Group AB donors make up only 4 % of the population.

Using HT negative Group A plasma components in patients with major haemorrhage with an unknown blood group:

• Is safe
• Ensures sufficient supply of plasma components for patients in an emergency situation
• Preserves the AB FFP and cryoprecipitate supply for known group AB patients
• Is in line with the national guidelines on plasma components that recommend use of high titre negative Group A plasma, if the same blood group is not available, for known Group B and AB patients.

Please review your current practice and ensure HT negative Group A plasma components are used for patients of unknown blood group in line with the guidelines.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with your Customer Service Manager or Patient Blood Management Practitioner.

Lise Estcourt - Consultant Haematologist & Acting Medical Director of Transfusion