Blood typing, serologic; antigen testing of donor blood using reagent serum, each antigen test
CPT4 code
Blood Typing, Serologic; Antigen Testing of Donor Blood Using Reagent Serum, Each Antigen Test
Name of the Procedure:
Common Names: Blood Typing, Serologic Testing, Blood Antigen Testing
Technical Term: Serologic Antigen Testing using Reagent Serum
Summary
Blood typing and serologic antigen testing is a procedure to determine the specific antigens present on the surface of red blood cells in donor blood. This helps identify blood type and ensure compatibility for transfusions.
Purpose
This procedure addresses the need to ensure donor blood is compatible with the recipient's blood type to avoid adverse reactions. The goal is to identify specific antigens on red blood cells to match donors and recipients accurately, preventing transfusion reactions.
Indications
- Preparation for blood transfusion
- Blood donation screening
- Identifying specific blood group antigens
- Matching donors and recipients in organ transplantation
Preparation
Typically, no specific preparation is required for the patient donating blood. For recipients requiring transfusion, pre-transfusion testing includes blood type identification and crossmatching.
Procedure Description
- Blood Sample Collection: A sample of blood is drawn from the donor.
- Reagent Serum Application: Reagent serums containing specific antibodies are mixed with the donor blood sample.
- Observation: The mixture is observed for agglutination (clumping), indicating the presence of specific antigens.
- Recording Results: The results are recorded, identifying the antigens present and the blood type.
Tools and Equipment:
- Blood collection materials (needles, tubes)
- Reagent serums containing specific antibodies
- Microscopes and analysis tools for observation
No anesthesia or sedation is required.
Duration
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of antigens being tested.
Setting
This procedure is performed in a laboratory setting within hospitals or blood donation centers.
Personnel
- Medical Laboratory Technicians or Technologists
- Phlebotomists (for blood sample collection)
- Pathologists (for result interpretation, if needed)
Risks and Complications
- Minor bruising or discomfort at the site of blood withdrawal
- Rare allergic reactions to reagent serums
- Inaccurate results due to technical errors, requiring repeat testing
Benefits
- Ensures safe blood transfusions
- Helps prevent serious transfusion reactions
- Facilitates accurate matching for organ transplants
Results are usually available within a few hours to a day.
Recovery
There is no significant recovery process. Donors may experience minor discomfort at the needle site, which resolves quickly. Recipients must follow standard post-transfusion care.
Alternatives
- Non-serologic genetic testing for blood typing
- Historical blood type records (though less reliable for current antigen status)
Pros and cons: Serologic testing is immediate and cost-effective, while genetic testing may provide broader antigen profiles but is more expensive and time-consuming.
Patient Experience
Donors may feel a slight pinch during blood draw and mild discomfort afterward. Recipients undergoing transfusion will be monitored for reactions post-transfusion. Pain management and comfort measures are minimal and typically not required.