Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Following the administration of a blood or blood component an unexpected reaction occurs. Transfusion of blood and blood products can be clinically beneficial and life-saving, however it also comes with the risk of a transfusion reaction. All reactions are reportable to SABRE (SHOT and or MHRA).
Specimen container paediatric:
6mL K2 EDTA
Specimen container adult:
6mL K2 EDTA
Minimum volume paediatric:
2mL
Minimum volume adult:
6mL
Special requirements:
Samples associated with a transfusion reaction investigation can be ordered via the EPR PowerChart and taken with the BloodTrack bedside labelling system and requested via PowerChart. Contact the Blood Transfusion Laboratory and Haematology SpR (and Transfusion Practitioner during routine hours) IMMEDIATELY if a transfusion reaction is suspected. ALL transfused or partially transfused products associated with reaction MUST be returned to the Blood Transfusion Laboratory. The giving sets MUST be left in the products. Samples should also be taken for the following tests and sent to the appropriate laboratory: FBC, U&E, LFT, blood cultures.
Sample stability:
Short term storage:
24 hours at room temperature.
Long term storage:
7 days at 4 to 6°C
Transport requirements:
Sample should be transported to Laboratory Medicine Reception via GP courier, hospital air-tube system or hand delivered to maintain storage conditions. Samples must not be subjected to extreme hot or cold conditions prior to testing.
Add on test:
Request for add on must be discussed directly with the Transfusion laboratory.
FH: 0191 2237849
RVI: 0191 2824435
Interpretation:
A serological positive reaction will demonstrate a specific antibody detected serologically and subsequent transfusion requirements will need antigen negative units compatible with the antibody detected. Clinical advice for patient management will be given to the patient’s clinical team by the Transfusion Practitioner, Haematology SpR or Haematology Consultant.
A serological negative reaction informs the clinician that the reaction was not due to a specific antibody causing a haemolytic reaction. However the reaction could still be due to the component and clinical advice will be given to the patient’s clinical team by the Transfusion Practitioner, Haematology SpR or Haematology Consultant to the nature of that reaction and future management.
Factors affecting result:
Insufficient or clotted samples, incorrect specimen type received, failure to return blood bag units, units returned to laboratory without giving sets in situ, failure to send the appropriate specimen to all departments as required.
Other info:
To investigate all causes of transfusion reactions. Specimens must be sent with a Transfusion reaction investigation request form (obtain from intranet) completed by medical staff. Samples for FBC,U&Es,LFTs and blood cultures should also be sent.