exchange transfusion in the newborn /iks·chāng″/ [L, ex + cambire, to change] , the introduction of whole blood in exchange for 75% to 85% of an infant’s circulating blood that is repeatedly withdrawn in small amounts and replaced with equal amounts of donor blood. The procedure is performed to improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood in the treatment of erythroblastosis fetalis by removing Rh and ABO antibodies, sensitized erythrocytes that produce hemolysis, and accumulated bilirubin. ▪ OUTCOME CRITERIA: An exchange transfusion is usually administered only to a high-risk infant, but the procedure often effectively counteracts the hemolytic anemia and hyperbilirubinemia associated with erythroblastosis neonatorum.
