Request forms and samples will not be accepted unless they show the following:
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Hospital Number
• Signature of person identifying patient
Details on the sample bottle and request forms must match. The request form and sample must be signed by the person collecting the blood sample; the form must also be signed by the doctor making the request.
Sample details that have been amended (names scribbled out etc) will not be accepted
REMEMBER that most fatal transfusion errors are made by mislabeling of forms and samples and importance of careful labelling cannot therefore not be over-emphasised. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as an unknown accident victim, will a request be accepted bearing the hospital or casualty number and signature as an absolute minimum.
• Every effort must be made to include details of known antibody history, previous transfusions, transfusion reactions, pregnancies and jaundiced or stillborn babies, as all of these are relevant to cross-matching of blood.
• A minimum of 7 ml of blood collected in a grouping/cross-matching bottle is required, labelled to the above standards.
• A request for blood made 72 hours or more after the previous transfusion must be accompanied by a fresh sample from the patient.
NOTICE REQUIRED FOR CROSS MATCHING
Routine Cases
A full 24 hours (one full working day, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays) notice is required for full grouping, antibody screening and cross-matching to be completed. In cases where this is not possible, the availability of blood cannot be guaranteed.
Elective surgery
Blood is not routinely reserved for elective surgery.
It is required that two crossmatch samples are collected on different occasions. This allows immediate electronic issue, on demand if blood is needed in theatres. A crossmatch sample taken in pre-admission (which may be up to 3 months prior) and one on admission will allow this. Note that if the second sample is not received until blood is required it will take up to one hour to provide cross-matched blood.
Urgent Cases
The Transfusion department must be telephoned (Ext 2588) to alert that a request has been sent and to give an indication of the urgency of a case. When patients with irregular antibodies require cross-matching, at least 48 hours notice may be needed, so that compatible blood can be found. When irregular antibodies have been detected, contact the blood bank prior to surgery to ensure blood is available.
Reservation of cross-matched blood
Blood is usually reserved for a maximum of 24hrs and returned to stock 9 am the day after it was needed. Please contact 2588 if you need this time extended for a particular crossmatch.
Cancellation of surgery or change of circumstances
The Transfusion department must be informed as soon as possible of the cancellation or delay to the date of surgery or the need for blood changes.
Requests for blood products
All requests should initially be made with the blood bank by telephone. The Consultant Haematologist will be contacted if necessary.
Transfusion reactions
The transfusion should be stopped, the transfusion department should be notified, and a Consultant Haematologist contacted. A fresh group sample and MSU should be collected, and sent to the laboratory, together with the used blood packs, if it is considered necessary.
For further advice see the PAH NHS Trust policy and guidance on the administration of Blood and Blood Components and the management of transfused patients available on public folders.
PCC (Beriplex) and rFVIIa (Novoseven)
These are available in line with trust policy and following approval by consultant haematologist.
Referral of Samples from Blood Transfusion- all CPA accredited
Red Cell Immunohaematology:
RCI Lab
NBS Cambridge
Addenbrookes Hospital
Platelet Immunology:
Platelet Immunology
NBS Bristol
Fulton
HLA/Tissue Typing
H+I lab
NBS North London
Colindale
HLA B27 typing
Haematology Department
Broomfield Hospital
Mid Essex NHS Trust
Chelmsford.
