Our Reference Laboratories are highly specialized areas that focus on the identification and resolution of red cell antibody problems. The laboratories combine serological methods and DNA blood group analysis to resolve complex red cell antibody identification cases. The laboratories also provide consultation for the selection of blood products for transfusion, which includes selecting and providing rare donor units for transfusion.
The reference laboratories screen samples to identify donors whose red blood cells lack specific antigens. These red blood cell units are classified as rare units as they are integral to the treatment of patients with red blood cell antibodies, including patients with sickle cell disease.
The reference laboratories maintain an extensive inventory of rare donor units, liquid and frozen. Our Reference Laboratories are members of the American Rare Donor program which enables staff to locate rare red blood cell units that cannot be found locally.
American Rare Donor Program (ARDP)
The American Rare Donor Program (ARDP), headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, maintains a comprehensive database of donors with "rare blood types." The ARDP secures blood and blood products for difficult-to-transfuse patients. If our organization does not have the rare blood type that is needed for a patient’s transfusion, we can use this program to locate blood for the patient.
(Blood centers have the honor of being a part of this program thru their AABB IRL accreditation)