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(February 21, 2007, ATLANTA) – The American Red Cross Southern Region’s Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) was recently recognized by the AABB for having the third largest registry of rare blood donors in the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP). The award was announced during the annual ARC IRL Summit meeting held in Amelia Island, FL on January 17th and 18th.
The Southern Region’s IRL is the only reference lab in the state of Georgia. It is one of 35 operated by the American Red Cross and one of only 51 accredited by the AABB internationally. The IRL conducts advanced serological testing to resolve complex patient-care problems in addition to performing testing to identify rare blood donors.
Patients with sickle cell anemia or cancer often are chronically transfused and are more likely to develop antibodies. This puts them at high risk for transfusion-related complications and makes it very difficult to find compatible blood for future transfusion.
Rare blood donors, who comprise fewer than 2% of the random population, are those whose blood lack high incidence antigens or combinations of common antigens making their red cells ideal for patients with these conditions.
Once identified, these donors are included in the ARDP database, which enables searches of known special donors from around the world when a patient needs rare blood cells. Known rare donors may be contacted and asked to donate when blood of their type is needed. Rare donor red cells are frozen and can be stored for up to 10 years.
The American Red Cross Southern Region’s registry contains 1,840 rare donors. The ARDP database contains the names of approximately 10,000 rare donors.
“The ARDP is a vital resource for providing blood for critically ill patients with rare blood needs,” says Debi Long, Clinical Services Director, American Red Cross Southern Region. “I am very proud of our reference lab staff for their contribution to building and maintaining this important, lifesaving network.”
Most healthy people age 17 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds, can donate blood every 56 days or platelets every two weeks, up to 24 times each year. The American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern Region needs approximately 1,200 people to donate blood each weekday to meet the needs of hospital patients. To make an appointment or to find the donor center or blood drive nearest you, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or log on to www.givebloodredcross.org.
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