A: Some patients’ blood has specific red cell antibodies that make finding a matched red cell unit a challenge. Simply put, when these patients need a transfusion, the basic A, B, O and Rh negative or positive designation are not enough. Additional layers of matching are required. In order to supply blood to patients with these special needs, Indiana Blood Center’s laboratory identifies rare donors – those people blood has special characteristics which may aid in supplying matched blood to patients with special needs.

A: The types of patients who generally receive rare red cell products are frequently transfused cancer patients and patients with sickle cell anemia. These patients often need a transfusion, so it is critical to have rare blood available at all times.

A: Whole blood donation is the most beneficial because the red cell product is critical to maintain the rare red cell inventory. You may be encouraged to donate a double red cell product, if you qualify.