From the Research
Autocontrol positive incompatibility on crossmatching is a critical finding that indicates the presence of autoantibodies, which can complicate blood transfusion and requires careful evaluation by transfusion medicine specialists to ensure safe blood product administration. This finding suggests autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and can make it difficult to distinguish between autoantibodies and clinically significant alloantibodies that could cause transfusion reactions 1. The management of autocontrol positive incompatibility typically involves specialized blood bank techniques such as adsorption studies to remove autoantibodies from the patient's serum, allowing for detection of any underlying alloantibodies 2.
In emergency situations requiring transfusion, the least incompatible units may be used with close monitoring 3. The underlying cause of the autoantibodies should be investigated, as they can be associated with conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, lymphoproliferative disorders, or drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia 4. Key points to consider in the management of autocontrol positive incompatibility include:
- The importance of careful evaluation by transfusion medicine specialists to ensure safe blood product administration
- The need for specialized blood bank techniques such as adsorption studies to remove autoantibodies from the patient's serum
- The potential for autocontrol positive incompatibility to be associated with underlying conditions such as AIHA or other autoimmune disorders
- The importance of close monitoring in emergency situations requiring transfusion with the least incompatible units 1.
Overall, the presence of autoantibodies does not necessarily contraindicate transfusion, but it requires careful evaluation and management to ensure safe blood product administration 2, 3, 1.