Guidelines for Transfusion of Erythrocytes Containing Sickle Hemoglobin

Facilities should consider all available evidence or recommendations in deciding when to avoid transfusion of blood from donors with sickle cell trait. AABB standards require that each transfusion service establish policies that describe when to avoid transfusion of blood from donors with sickle cell trait. However, because evidence from controlled studies is sparse, the circumstances under which transfusion of sickle trait erythrocytes is avoided (or acceptable) are not clearly delineated. This Guideline reviews the various recommendations that have been made and examines the basis for them. By Jerald E. Mullersman, MD, PhD, and Gary E. Carnahan, MD, PhD for the AABB Scientific Section Coordinating Committee (AABB, 2005, digital publication, 10 pages, ISBN 978-1-56395-355-2)