Pretransfusion testing

This chapter discusses the tests required before the blood transfusion. Pretransfusion testing includes the immunohematologic testing needed for proper patient blood typing, component selection and compatibility testing, in order to ensure optimal patient safety and transfusion efficacy. The AABB Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services are stated. One of the requirements of the AABB standards is appropriate patient identification which is critical to the safety of blood transfusion and avoid incidence of mistransfusion. The specimen testing can be performed on either serum or plasma and various methods described include immediate spin phase, anti-human globulin phase, and AHG reagents. ABO blood typing is crucial for pretransfusion testing as ABO antigens and antibodies are the most clinically significant of all RBC antigens and antibodies in transfusion practice. The selection of blood components includes ABO compatibility and D compatibility and crossmatching of RBC components. The AABB standards for labeling and release of blood components are given.

Duke Scholars

Author Beth H. Shaz Pathology