The importance of identifying rare phenotypes in blood donors: a literature review

Abstract

Objective: To verify data in the literature that demonstrate the importance of identifying rare phenotypes in blood donors. Bibliographic review: The increase in transfusion efficiency is directly related to the process of identifying erythrocyte phenotypes in blood donors. This procedure increases the effectiveness and safety of the transfusion act, in addition to preventing alloimmunization. In transfusion medicine, erythrocyte antigens are clinically important as they are highly immunogenic in addition to causing adverse transfusion reactions, alloimmunizations, autoimmune hemolytic anemias and hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (DHFRN). Final considerations: The identification of erythrocyte phenotypes can prevent transfusional incompatibilities that, if not observed, can cause adverse reactions in patients receiving blood transfusions. Regarding alloimmunization to erythrocyte antigens, it was observed through the studies the frequency in polytransfused patients, carriers of hemoglobinopathies and transplanted. The present work points out the importance of maintaining existing banks of rare phenotypes and creating new ones to promote the effectiveness of the care that blood centers provide to emergency health institutions.