A survey of management of blood donations with unexpected red cell antibodies

A survey of 19 large blood centers, each with an average annual collection of 158,889 units, was conducted to identify current practices of management of red cell units that contain unexpected red cell antibodies. The routine antibody identification, distribution, and charge for such units varied widely among the 19 centers. In addition, although use of these units was low, costs were considerable. This survey can serve as a basis for other studies to arrive at cost-effective ways to manage such units. Immunohematology 1994;10:99–101.