What is a 'low-titer' type O whole blood donor?
Low-titer type O whole blood (LTOWB) comes from donors who are blood type O AND have low levels of anti-A and anti-B antibodies (titers ≤ 1:200). All type O donors have some anti-A and anti-B antibodies in their plasma, but high-titer donors can cause hemolytic reactions in non-type-O recipients. LTOWB donors have sufficiently low antibody titers that transfusion to type A, B, or AB recipients carries reduced risk — making them safer universal donors for emergency field transfusion.
How is the Collection Set-V different from the standard FWB Donor Set?
The LTOWB Collection Set-V (83-0031) is designed specifically for the structured Valkyrie/ROLO walking blood bank protocol — with simplified steps, reduced component count, and documentation aligned to LTOWB operational procedures. The Safeguard FWB Donor Set (80-801-D) is a more general-purpose FWB collection kit with more components including multiple blood tubes for retrospective testing. Both serve the collection function but for different operational frameworks.
Does the NAR LTOWB Collection Set-V include an ABO/Rh screening card?
The Collection Set-V is designed for use with pre-screened LTOWB donors whose type O status has been confirmed through pre-deployment laboratory testing. Field ABO/Rh screening is typically not the primary verification step in the Valkyrie/ROLO LTOWB protocol — that verification occurs at pre-deployment screening. However, the ASBP documentation card tracks donor identity and blood type through the transfusion chain.
Can this set be used outside of military walking blood bank programs?
Yes. While developed for military applications, the NAR LTOWB Collection Set-V can be used by any medical team that has established a walking blood bank capability — including mass casualty disaster response teams, special operations law enforcement, and remote expedition medicine groups. The key requirement is pre-deployment donor screening for type O LTOWB status through a qualified laboratory.
What is the Valkyrie program referenced in LTOWB-V products?
The Valkyrie program is a USMC MARSOC (Marine Raiders) walking blood bank initiative that systematized LTOWB collection and transfusion at the unit level for far-forward combat operations. It demonstrated that pre-screened type O low-titer donors within the unit could be activated to donate blood at or near the point of injury, providing balanced hemostatic resuscitation without cold-chain infrastructure. The program's success influenced CoTCCC guidelines and the wider adoption of LTOWB across U.S. Special Operations Forces.
Is LTOWB collection CoTCCC-recommended?
Yes. LTOWB from walking blood bank donors is CoTCCC-recommended as a damage control resuscitation product when available. The collection set supports the authorized collection process at the point of care.
What donor screening is required before LTOWB collection?
Donors must be pre-screened for low anti-A and anti-B titers, infectious disease, and blood type O. This is a unit-level program requiring coordination with the military blood program and unit surgeon — not an improvised capability.
What is the storage life of LTOWB collected with this kit?
Fresh whole blood collected with standard CPDA-1 solution has a 35-day storage life under refrigeration. In field conditions without cold storage, blood should be administered as soon as practical after collection. Follow your unit's blood program protocols.
What is the NSN for the LTOWB-V Collection Set?
Contact MED-TAC International for current NSN and DLA/GSA procurement information for the LTOWB Collection Set and associated program equipment.
Can the LTOWB-V Collection Set be used with the QUANTUM warming system?
The QUANTUM system is used for administration warming — contact MED-TAC International to verify collection set compatibility and recommended LTOWB program configuration with QUANTUM.
