Leslie Hughes Tisdall

Present status of transfusion of whole blood and its derivatives in obstetrics and gynecology.

Abstract Blood transfusions are an essential form of obstetric and gynecologic therapy. In view of the recent advances in the knowledge of this subject, obstetricians and gynecologists have a definite threefold responsibility: (1) To have an ample supply of whole blood and plasma available. This can be assured by the establishment of a community blood bank such as suggested by the Red Cross. (2) To demand that the collection, preservation, and administration of whole blood and plasma conform to the best technical standards. The adoption of the closed system vacuum technique and the use of the ACD preserving solution will meet such criteria. (3) To insure that blood or plasma administered to their patients must be beneficial without reaction, and to avoid antibody stimulation which may subsequently cause difficulties in later pregnancies or transfusions. This can be accomplished under a pyrogen-free technique by the use of group and Rh compatible blood for routine transfusions, of Rh-negative group O blood with a low titer of iso-agglutinins for emergency transfusions, and of group compatible or group O plasma with a low iso-agglutinin titer when plasma is indicated.