The Failure of Neonates to Form Red Blood Cell Alloantibodies in Response to Multiple Transfusions

Red blood cell alloantibody production was studied in 90 neonates who received a mean of 14.1 transfusions (range 2-35) from an average of 8.9 donors during the first three months after birth. Standard antibody detection procedures were done with the use of a selected red blood cell panel. No unexpected alloantibodies were detected. These findings suggest, at a 99% confidence level, that neonates do not make red blood cell alloantibodies in response to transfusion, indicating that repeated compatibility testing is probably unnecessary. Thus, following initial antibody screening and compatibility tests, further compatibility testing can be eliminated.