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 phenotype
• Investigation of auto-immune haemolytic anaemia
• Auto-absorption of auto-antibodies
• Quantitation of antenatal antibodies D & c.
• Provision of compatible, phenotyped blood for patients with irregular antibodies

Minimum sample volume : 3 ml

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 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 are referred to
• Also investigates antibody problems that cannot be resolved in the Exeter Laboratory.

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.

Investigation of auto-immune haemolytic anaemia, Auto-absorption of auto-antibodies, Quantitation of antenatal antibodies D & c are performed by the NHSBT at Filton, Bristol.

 Clinical Advice

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

Specimen Labelling Procedure

Specimen Labelling Procedure