(CAMP LEJEUNE, NC) -- Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune Armed Services Blood Program is the first Navy site to collect Low Titer O Whole Blood (LTOWB) to be pushed far forward supporting our operating forces in combat areas.
“Low Titer Group O whole blood has been identified as a practical, effective universal blood product for resuscitation of massive blood loss on the battlefield. This product contains all three of the major blood components (red blood cells, platelets, plasma) and can be sent far forward to preserve life from the point of injury to sea base or role II medical facility,” said Lt. Jacob Hasty, MBA/HCM, MS, Department Head, Blood Donor Center and Transfusion Services at NHCL. “Our operational requirement is to collect and ship 14 units per week.”
Type O blood has been used since World War I for emergency transfusions and trauma situations. It is known as the universal blood because it can be used with all blood types. While this blood is available to our fighting forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Vietnam War is considered the last major conflict where it was used for wounded service members.
Whole blood of all types is collected for many different uses. Blood is generally separated into the three major components, red blood cells, plasma and platelets. However, this greatly reduces the shelf life and is not practical for transporting to combat areas. Whole blood can be held for up to 35 days from collection while being stored at 1-6 degrees Celsius.
When time is not of the essence, blood typing and matching is standard practice; however, when treating combat injuries, it is necessary to have a product readily available at point of injury. Low titer type O blood is that product.
"The Navy Blood Program is extremely pleased that the Blood Donor Center at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune is collecting and distributing Low Titer Group O Whole Blood in support of operational theater requirements. This product is proven to be practical and effective when treating military trauma cases in the operational environment. By making this product, Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune continues to demonstrate its commitment to support our war fighters with the best blood products available," said Cmdr. Jonathan Hoiles, MSC, USN Director, Navy Blood Program.
NHCL’s Blood Donor Center has always collected type O blood but began testing for low titer on May 8, 2017. While this test has been available for many years, it is a new process for NHCL. This universal blood is collected from male candidates, and females who have never been pregnant, are potential candidates.
Once blood is collected, a sample is sent for titer testing. This test normally takes 48 to 72 hours. Once the blood is identified as low titer, it is then shipped to the Armed Services Blood Processing Laboratory East (ASWBPL-East) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. ASWBPL-East provides blood and blood product support to Department of Defense medical treatment facilities in peacetime and maintains a rapid response capability that supplies blood for emergencies, contingencies and pre-position blood products during military operations.
Type O blood donors are needed because of the unique properties that allow it to be universal. You can make a difference by donating at your local Armed Services Blood Program Blood Donor Center. NHCL’s Blood Center can be reached at (910) 450-3456.
NHCL has undergone a transformation over the last several years adding new services, expanding other areas such as the emergency department, and bringing aboard new staff that enable the hospital to provide continued quality care to the warfighter, their families and veterans. Through these advancements, Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune is honored to provide patient-centered care to our family of 72,000 beneficiaries.