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:legibly handwrittenhave 4 identifiers: – first name – surname – NHS number – date of birthlabelled by the person taking the blood who must also sign, date and time the samplelabelled next to the patient immediately after being takenNote: 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