Management of patients with anti‐Cartwright (Yt^a)

Five patients with anti‐Cartwright (Yt^a) in their serum were observed during a 14‐month period. One of the patients in whom a 51Cr‐labeled donor red cell survival study was done showed increased destruction of infused Yt^a‐positive red cells while three other patients tested showed a survival of greater than 85 percent at 1 hour. None of the antibodies potentiated interaction between sensitized red cells and heterologous activated mononuclear cells. The fifth patient received many transfusions of Yt^a‐positive red cells without any adverse reaction. Performance of a 1‐hour red cell survival with 51Cr‐labeled Yt^a‐ positive cells is recommended when time permits to determine whether patients with anti‐Yt^a can receive Yt^a‐positive red cells or, alternatively, whether they must receive Yt^a‐negative red cells. This approach not only is the safest for the patient, but allows conservation of Yt^a‐negative blood. Such an approach also should be used in patients with antibodies against other high‐incidence antigens. 1985 AABB