Blood units for patients with irregular blood group antibodies: frequency and supply

Blood banks face significant problems supplying blood units compatible with erythrocyte antigens other than ABO and rhesus D. In this study the number of such units was evaluated between 1973 and 1982, and it was found that 1.5% of the total number of blood units were compatible with other antigens than ABO and rhesus D. Based on data of the number of units requested for each such antigen and the frequency of the antigen in the European population, a logistical system providing sufficient numbers of 'antibody-compatible' blood units is proposed.