Blood Podcast How I Treat Transfusion Medicine (part 1)
May 15, 2025
In this discussion, Drs. Masja de Haas, Helen Savoia, and Stella Chou share insights from their work in transfusion medicine. Masja focuses on non-invasive prenatal testing for alloimmunized women, while Helen emphasizes managing pregnant patients with red cell antibodies. Stella highlights the complexities of transfusion needs in sickle cell disease, addressing the urgency for compatible blood supply. The trio delves into innovative strategies to enhance patient care and safety, creating a compelling narrative around the challenges and advancements in their field.
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Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Insight
- Non-invasive prenatal testing uses maternal blood to analyze circulating fetal DNA for fetal blood group antigens.
- This technique revolutionizes managing alloimmunized pregnancies without invasive procedures.
Centralized Testing Advantages
- Centralized laboratories benefit from sample access, expertise, and technology for fetal antigen typing.
- Next-generation sequencing will enable wider availability of non-invasive prenatal blood group testing.
Challenges in Anti-D Alloimmunization
- Alloimmunization to the D antigen still occurs despite routine anti-D prophylaxis, mainly due to early fetal bleeds or large hemorrhages.
- Globally, inadequate access to prophylaxis remains the primary cause of anti-D immunization.