Transfusion Services

PATIENTS REQUIRING HGB S NEGATIVE RED CELLS

Hemoglobin S is an abnormal hemoglobin which causes sickling of red cells under conditions of reduced oxygen concentration in the patient’s blood stream. These sickled cells may plug small blood vessels. Individuals with certain undiagnosed hemoglobinapathies, such as Sickle Cell Trait, have increased levels of hemoglobin S within their red blood cells and can still qualify as blood donors.

Children’s Hospitals and Clinics has identified the following patient groups as requiring donor red cells to be screened Negative for Hemoglobin S:

-- Patients diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease

-- Infants less than 4 months old on ECMO (Extracorpucsular Membrane Oxygenator)

-- Infants less than 4 month old receiving an exchange transfusion