The AABB has released Association Bulletin #14-02 that summarizes the literature on the risks of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and provides advice to meet Standard 5.4.1.2 which requires that “plasma and whole blood for allogeneic transfusion shall be from males, females who have not been pregnant, or females who have been tested since their most recent pregnancy and results interpreted as negative for HLA antibodies.”
This new standard applies to whole blood designated for transfusion and all types of plasma. In addition, to using male and never pregnant-female plasma, HLA antibody testing can be performed to possibly use plasma from female donors who have had one or more pregnancies or whose pregnancy history is unknown. In addition, FDA-licensed pharmaceutical products such as OctaplasTM and KcentraTM are approved transfusion-therapy options. The Bulletin also highlights strategies for alleviating AB plasma shortages. This new standard takes effect on April 1, 2014.
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