HHS Makes Progress Toward a National RBC Patient Data Exchange

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a report titled, “Toward the Development of a National Red Blood Cell Antibody Patient Data Exchange (RBCAX): 2023 Interim Report.” It represents the initial part of HHS’s Phase I of a multi-phased RBCAX strategic implementation plan.

ASCP is pleased to see progress in this area. Under the leadership of two past presidents, Henry "Harv" Rinder, MD, FASCP, and Kimberly Sanford, MD, MASCP, ASCP convened an ad hoc coalition that brought together thought leaders in the blood bank community, including colleagues from the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB), the American Red Cross, Yale University, and others, to advocate for the creation of a national red blood cell antibody patient data exchange.

Through the collective advocacy of ASCP, AABB, ASH, and other stakeholders, HHS has begun its initial steps to create a database that will improve patient care and provide critical, timely data to clinicians to prevent adverse reactions in frequently transfused patients.

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