Harr Immunology, Serology & Blood Bank (ISBB) Practice Test

In emergency trauma situations, the priority is to provide the patient with the necessary transfusions as quickly as possible, particularly when there is significant blood loss. O-negative blood is considered the universal donor type for red blood cells because it can be given to any patient in an emergency where the blood type is unknown.

Compatibility testing is critical to reducing the risk of transfusion reactions; however, in urgent situations, immediate transfusion of O-negative blood can occur without prior testing. Once the O-negative blood is administered, compatibility testing will then be performed as soon as a patient sample becomes available. This ensures that if blood components are needed after initial stabilization, they can be safely matched, minimizing the risk of hemolytic reactions and other complications.

The approach balances the need for rapid intervention in critical scenarios with the importance of ensuring patient safety as care progresses. Therefore, compatibility testing is conducted once samples are obtained and tested to confirm the patient's blood type and to check for any antibodies that could lead to future transfusion-related issues. This step is essential for any subsequent transfusions beyond the initial provision of O-negative blood.