Compatibility Testing

what is the purpose of compatibility testing

ID clinically significant antibodies

identify incompatibilities between recipient and donor

the “minor” crossmatch disappeared in the 1970’s due to

the use of pRBCs instead of whole blood

what are the 6 steps involved in compatibility testing

1. confirm ID of transfusion on recipient

2. collect sample and label

3. receive sample at transfusion service for testing

4. donor units selected for recipient

5. crossmatch procedure completed

6. units are issued

what anticoagulant is typically used for sample collection?

EDTA

samples must be collected no more than ___ days from transfusion for those who have received transfusions or hx of pregnancy

3

samples used to transfusion testing must be less than ___ old

72 hours

whole blood must be ABO ___?

identical

RBCs and plasma-based products must be ABO ___?

compatible

cross match procedures are generally only required for RBC units and other units with ___ mL of RBC present

> 2mL

what is a general rule of thumb for crossmatching donor units to patients

mix patient plasma with donor cells

• agglutination or hemolysis = incompatible

• no agglutination or hemolysis = compatible

in transfusion services, requirements for a positive patient identification must include

the use of a blood bank armband system

what are some required components for a historical record check on recipient blood?

• transfusion history

• previous ABO/Rh typing

• presence of clinically significant antibodies

• difficulties in blood typing

• previous adverse reactions

• special unit requirements

what are some required components for minimum serological testing?

• ABO/Rh

• Antibody screen

• crossmatch

what are some required confirmation testing of donor units

• temp check

• visual check

• ABO/Rh confirmation via front type

Type O units are tested with _____ during confirmation testing

anti-A,B

A, B, and AB units are checked with

anti-A and anti-B

Rh negative units must be tested for …?

weak D

all donor units received in blood bank require

ABO/Rh confirmation via front typing