Helping patients with rare blood types

11-year-old boy will meet the donors who saved his life

(San Antonio, Texas;   November 25, 2009) ─ While most people are familiar with the basic blood types - A, B & O -the human body can build up hundreds of antigens resulting in rare blood types. In Dominic Mazziotta's case, chronic transfusions have led to the need for antigen-specific donors.

Struggling with a rare disease - Kaposi Hemangioendothelioma with Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation- Dominic has received more than 40 units of blood since his diagnosis last year.  With the help of South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC), special donors have been found to help with his treatments. More blood and blood products are expected to be used as his chemotherapy treatments continue.

 "When a patient requires a rare blood transfusion, STBTC works with its affiliate, QualTex Laboratories, to find the antigens required by hospitals - first, by determining if the blood is available on the shelf; next by contacting a donor with the matching blood type; and finally, by searching the national registry," says Gary Griffin, Director of Laboratory Services for QualTex Laboratories. 

On December 1st a special ceremony at 12:30pm will unveil the donors who have contributed to Dominic's transfusions.  Tours are available at 1:00 pm after the ceremony to see how QualTex Laboratories gathers components to deliver rare blood to patients with special needs. The address is 6211 IH 10 West at South Texas Blood & Tissue Center at the Donor Pavilion.

For more information contact:
Aleida F. Nichols, Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 210-731-5522
Cell: 210-296-9026
aleida.fuentes-nichols@bloodntissue.org

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