Cold Agglutinin Disease Emergency Room Information | CAD ER Form

Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD) – Emergency Department Information

Patient has suspected or confirmed Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD), a form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in which cold temperatures can cause red blood cell agglutination and hemolysis.

Key ED considerations:

– Avoid unnecessary cold exposure. Keep the patient warm and consider warming IV fluids as clinically appropriate.

– If anemia or hemolysis is suspected, notify the laboratory and Blood Bank early. Testing and crossmatch may require temperature-controlled handling.

– If urgent transfusion is needed, coordinate with Blood Bank regarding warmed blood products and any special compatibility procedures.

Laboratory handling note (important):

Blood samples should be kept warm (about 37 C / 98.6 F) from draw through processing when CAD is suspected, to reduce in-tube agglutination and misleading results.

Patient name: ________________________________ DOB: _______________________

Hematologist / clinician contact: ___________________________________________

Additional notes (allergies, meds, prior transfusion reactions): ________________________________________