Improving Expeditionary Blood Supply via Type-Specific Whole Blood

Blood is critical to expeditionary casualty care. Currently, low-titer O whole blood is the preferred product, because it serves as a universal blood product, but demand is higher than supply. Type-specific whole blood (TSWB) has the potential to address this shortfall and provide an identical clinical benefit to specific patient populations. This study estimates the benefit of TSWB to the expeditionary blood supply.

Potential TSWB demand was estimated based on the product demand during the US involvement in Afghanistan (2001-2021). Potential production yield increases were based on blood production at the Keesler AFB Blood Distribution Center (FY2016-FY2023).

Including type A TSWB is estimated to increase whole blood production 11.1% monthly. Type-specific whole blood, if available, is expected to be utilized in 20.7% to 35.6% of U.S. Military casualties requiring blood transfusion. Seasonality was found in production (P < .001).

Incorporating TSWB is anticipated to meaningfully expand whole blood availability to meet current shortfalls and future expeditionary casualty needs.