ANZSBT/ARCBS consensus statement on use and allocation of Kell negative red cells

Scope

Recommendations

Clinical scenarios where K negative units are indicated (listed in priority order) include:

1. Any patient with (or a history of producing) anti-K
2. Elective transfusion of pregnant females or females of child bearing potential who have a K negative phenotype (∼90% of women)
3. Transfusion of pregnant females or females of child bearing potential who are unable to be phenotyped prior to transfusion, where possible. The clinical urgency of transfusion should be considered and emergency transfusion should not be delayed by attempts to source K negative units.