Additional Blood Transfusion Investigations

Blood Sciences Test Blood Transfusion

Specimen

EDTA tube labelled “FOR BLOOD TRANSFUSION”

Special Instructions

These investigations include:

Identification of the specificity of red cell antibodies
Red cell antigen phenotype
Investigation of auto-immune haemolytic anaemia
Allo-absorption of auto-antibodies
Quantitation of antenatal antibodies D & c.
Provision of compatible, phenotyped blood for patients with irregular antibodies
Red cell antigen genotyping
Fetal genotyping for D, C, c, E, E and K
RHD fetal genotyping screening assay (performed by NHSBT IBGRL or RDUH Molecular Genetics)

Minimum sample volume : 6 ml (sample requirements vary for different tests, contact the laboratory team for advice)

Patient identification details (surname, forename, DoB, hospital number/NHS number) must match on sample and request form

Information on samples MUST be handwritten, pre-printed labels will not be accepted. Exception – Samples labelled with the Haemonetics BloodTrack Tx on-demand system labels will be accepted.

Refer to Transfusion Policy for further information

Factors affecting results

Haemolysed, lipaemic and clotted samples cannot be tested.

Reference Range

Not applicable

Test Usage

Complex cases are refered to the Department of Red Cell Immunohaematology, National Blood Service, Bristol, Filton were they perform;

Titration and quantitation of irregular antibodies in ante-natal patients
Antibody problems that cannot be resolved in the RDUH laboratories
Crossmatching for complex cases
Allo-absorption
Genotyping

Turnaround time

The turn around time of these tests is variable. Please contact the blood transfusion department to discuss these cases.

Availability

Some tests may be processed in-house and some may be referred to the NHSBT at Filton, Bristol, this is dependent on the complexity of the test.

Clinical Advice

Clinical advice is available from the Haematology Medical team (contact RD&E switchboard on 01392 411611)

Specimen Labelling Procedure