Group and Screen

Pathology category

Blood Transfusion

Code

Referral code

Request form

Blood transfusion request forms must:- show identical patient identification details to the sample- show date and time the sample was collected- be signed by the person who took the blood, including their licence number (this is a legal requirement)- indicate if components/products are required, and if so the quantity needed- show date components/products are required- the reason for the request- state special requirements such as irradiated blood- state any previous transfusions

Test information

Note that samples for urgent blood transfusion should be conveyed by hand.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

We operate a zero tolerance policy for incorrect sample labelling. Amending or adding details to samples is prohibited.

All samples must be taken via Blood Track PDA’s or legibly handwritten (if taken in the community).

Handwritten samples must have 4 identifiers: – first name – surname – NHS number – date of birth and MUST be labelled by the person taking the blood  at the bedside, who must also sign form and sample bottle.

Note: If two group and screen samples are required from a patient, they must be taken by two different staff members. All group and screen samples from patients over 4 months old are valid for 72 hours.Samples to be transported to the laboratory within 72 hours between 2 – 25C

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

1 x 6ml pink top EDTA tube

Special requirements

Minimum volume

2ml

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

TAT GP/Outpatient

Referral lab

Local haematology