Transfusion Reaction Investigation
Description:
Where a transfusion reaction is suspected immediately stop transfusion and contact the Haematology SpR who will offer clinical advice. If the Haematology SpR determines the suspected transfusion reaction is likely genuine the laboratory will then commence the full scope of testing to determine whether there is any red cell incompatibility. Please contact the laboratory to notify of a potential transfusion reaction investigation.
Laboratory investigations will include repeat Group and Screens and a Direct Antiglobulin Test on pre and post transfusion samples. Manual crossmatching will also be performed on the units transfused this episode (where provided) to exclude the possibility of an antibody to a previously undetected low incidence antigen.
Laboratory investigations will include repeat Group and Screens and a Direct Antiglobulin Test on pre and post transfusion samples. Manual crossmatching will also be performed on the units transfused this episode (where provided) to exclude the possibility of an antibody to a previously undetected low incidence antigen.
Clinical details:
For further information please refer to the GSTT Clinical Guidance Policy.
http://tww-wafr/WAFR-FAD/Applications/ClinicalGuidance/User/Details.aspx?id=4971
http://tww-wafr/WAFR-FAD/Applications/ClinicalGuidance/User/Details.aspx?id=4971
Reference range:
N/A
Units:
N/A
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
Griener Vacutte K3EDTA 6 mls whole blood for adult tube (Pink top) and 6 ml SST (Clot) or
Griener Vacutte K2EDTA 4 mls whole blood for adult tube (Purple top) and 6 ml SST (Clot) or
K3EDTA paediatric 1 ml whole blood tube (pink top) with high plasma to cells ratio and 1 ml SST (Clot) (Paediatrics only)
Griener Vacutte K2EDTA 4 mls whole blood for adult tube (Purple top) and 6 ml SST (Clot) or
K3EDTA paediatric 1 ml whole blood tube (pink top) with high plasma to cells ratio and 1 ml SST (Clot) (Paediatrics only)
Call in advance:
YES
Special sample instructions:
Liaise with laboratory
Samples for Transfusion testing must include the following minimum details:
All details must be legibly handwritten on the blood tube.
Surname (in full)
Forename (in full)
GSTT Hospital Number*
Date of Birth
Date and time of sample
Sex
Signature of the person taking the sample
*Most samples from GP surgeries may be accepted without a hospital number. However samples for transfusion testing on antenatal patients must always have a GSTT hospital number.
Storage and transport:
Sample Retention: Samples are stored for 7 days.
Contacts:
Blood Transfusion Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 4774
Blood Transfusion Laboratory
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing, 5th Floor
St Thomas' Hospital
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Blood Transfusion Laboratory
Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing, 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing, 5th Floor
St Thomas' Hospital
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Blood Transfusion Laboratory
Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing, 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Last updated: 13/08/2018
