Practical Considerations for a Military Whole Blood Program

Abstract

WB has become the favored transfusion product as it provides all of the components of blood in a convenient package that is easy to store and transport. Specifically, group O WB containing low titers of anti-A and -B antibodies has become the transfusion product of choice, offering the ability to universally fluid resuscitate patients despite not knowing their blood group. This new ability to obtain low titer group O WB has transformed the approach to the management of hemorrhagic shock in the prehospital combat environment.