Name of the Procedure:

Blood typing, serologic; antigen screening for compatible unit using patient serum, per unit screened

Summary

This procedure helps to identify the blood type and screen for specific antigens to ensure that a patient's blood is compatible with a donor's blood. It is essential for safe blood transfusions.

Purpose

• To determine a patient's blood type and screen for antibodies that may cause reactions to donor blood.
• To ensure the safety and compatibility of blood transfusions, minimizing the risk of transfusion reactions.

Indications

• Patients requiring a blood transfusion due to surgery, trauma, anemia, or certain medical conditions.
• Individuals with a history of transfusion reactions or known antibodies.
• Pregnant women, to manage and prevent hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).

Preparation

• No specific patient preparation is typically required.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any previous transfusions or reactions.
• A blood sample will be drawn for testing.

Procedure Description

1. A sample of the patient's blood is collected.
2. The sample undergoes serologic testing to determine the ABO blood group and Rh type.
3. Antibody screening is performed to detect any unexpected antibodies in the patient's serum.
4. If antibodies are detected, further tests identify specific antigens on donated blood units to find a match.
5. Compatible donor blood units are identified and reserved for the patient.

Tools and Equipment:

• Blood collection tubes
• Centrifuge
• Reagents for blood typing and antigen testing
• Microscope and other laboratory equipment

Duration

Typically, the testing process takes a few hours, but it may vary depending on laboratory workload and complexity of the case.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a laboratory setting, often within a hospital or blood bank.

Personnel

• Medical laboratory technologists
• Pathologists or transfusion medicine specialists

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risk associated with blood draw (e.g., bruising at the puncture site).
• Rarely, there may be difficulty in finding a compatible blood unit, leading to delays in transfusion.

Benefits

• Ensures safe and compatible blood transfusions.
• Reduces the risk of transfusion reactions.
• Provides crucial information for managing patients needing transfusions.

Recovery

• No recovery time is needed as it's a diagnostic procedure.
• Patients should follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider based on the findings.

Alternatives

• Crossmatching: Another testing method that can be performed to ensure compatibility.
• This procedure might be combined with other types of compatibility testing for comprehensive results.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel a slight pinch during blood collection.
• Generally, there are no significant discomforts associated with the testing process.
• Healthcare providers may offer pain management for the blood draw if needed (e.g., for children or sensitive individuals).