Improving Expeditionary Blood Supply via Type-Specific Whole Blood.

This article examines the potential benefits of incorporating type-specific whole blood (TSWB) into the U.S. Military’s expeditionary blood supply, which currently relies primarily on low-titer O whole blood (LTOWB). Using historical data from military operations in Afghanistan and blood collection records at Keesler Air Force Base, the study estimates that adding type A TSWB could increase whole blood production by approximately 11.1% monthly and meet the transfusion needs of 20.7% to 35.6% of casualties requiring blood. The findings suggest that TSWB could help address current supply shortfalls and improve readiness for future large-scale operations, though its use requires blood typing capabilities and logistical adjustments. Further research is recommended to validate these results across other military donor centers and to optimize protocols for TSWB implementation in expeditionary settings.