Antibody investigation / quantitation (transfusion)


 

Alternative names, keywords

 

Samples required

EDTA blood for group and screen (G&S) (pink cap, 6 mL tube) required if in house testing can be performed. Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

3 x EDTA blood for group and screen (G&S) (pink cap, 6 mL tube) are required if antibody identification is inconclusive - these are sent to sent to the National Blood Service in Tooting for further investigation. Samples for referral must have the time and date on and must be signed.

Referred to National Blood Service, Tooting Centre, Red Cell Immunohaematology, 75 Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RB.

Test indications

Blood group antibodies are screened for routinely during grouping and crossmatching. When detected, identification will be carried out in-house if possible or sent to the Blood Transfusion Service. Additional samples may be required for antibody identification.

Titration/quantitation: Normally performed on pregnant women with known clinically significant antibodies. Discuss request with haematologist.

Key factors affecting test performance or interpretation

Haemolysed sample, lipaemia, clotted sample.

Turnaround time

Up to 1 week dependent upon investigation required.

Referral lab quotes turnaround time of 1 week for non-urgent tests. Urgent testing can be performed within 24 hours. Additional time must be allowed for packing, dispatch and delivery of sample, and return and processing of results.

Enquiries

Haematology (Transfusion)