Fewer than 3% of US sickle cell patients receive red blood cell exchange, survey finds

A survey of 100 US providers who manage sickle cell disease found fewer than 3% of patients had received red blood cell exchange though 91% reported hospital access. Common barriers were coordinating departments, limited donated blood, and unfamiliarity with the procedure; only 5% of providers reported no barriers. Patients also cited uncertainty over insurance coverage for the treatment, which swaps damaged red cells for donor cells.