Compatibility Testing

Clinical Background:

Procedure of providing compatible red cells for transfusion either by serological testing or electronic issue. When blood and blood components are requested for a patient the patient's transfusion history including pregnancy, solid organ or bone marrow transplant must be taken into account. Patients who have been pregnant or received a solid organ transplant, bone marrow transplant or transfusion in the last 3 months must have a blood specimen which is within 3 days (72 hours) to issue red blood cell products. Blood components such as platelets, plasma (fresh frozen plasma (FFP), Octaplas, and cryoprecipitate) as well as batch products can be issued on samples up to 3 months old; after this period of time a new specimen is required before further products can be issued. Small volume replacement transfusion can be given repeatedly during the first 4 months of life without further serological testing. After 4 months of age compatibility testing should conform to the requirements of adults.
The presence of significant atypical antibodies in the plasma or a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) may reflect the presence of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) or an acute or delayed transfusion reaction (ATR, DTR). In those cases further serological procedures, where appropriate, should be performed to allow selection of appropriate red cells for transfusion. A clinical history and involvement of a Haematology SpR may be required to ascertain the need for further serological procedures.

Discipline:

Transfusion

Transfusion
Specimen Container Adult:

6mL K2 EDTA

6mL K2 EDTA
Specimen Container Paediatric:

1mL K2 EDTA or 6mL K2 EDTA

1mL K2 EDTA or 6mL K2 EDTA
Minimum Volume Adult:

6mL

6mL
Minimum Volume Paediatric:

1mL

1mL
Special Requirement:

Orders for blood, blood components and blood products can now be ordered via EPR PowerChart.
The laboratory still supports telephone requests in an emergency.

Orders for blood, blood components and blood products can now be ordered via EPR PowerChart.
The laboratory still supports telephone requests in an emergency.
Sample Stability:

Storage for samples used in compatibility testing:
Short term storage - 24 hours at room temperature.
Once centrifuged, plasma is frozen and stored for up to 3 months.

Storage for samples used in compatibility testing:
Short term storage - 24 hours at room temperature.
Once centrifuged, plasma is frozen and stored for up to 3 months.
Transport Requirements:

Sample should be transported to Laboratory Medicine Reception via GP courier, hospital air-tube system or hand delivered to maintain storage conditions. Samples must not be subjected to extreme hot...

Sample should be transported to Laboratory Medicine Reception via GP courier, hospital air-tube system or hand delivered to maintain storage conditions. Samples must not be subjected to extreme hot or cold conditions prior to testing.
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Add On Test:

Request for add on must be discussed directly with the Transfusion laboratory.
FH: 0191 2237849
RVI: 0191 2824435

Request for add on must be discussed directly with the Transfusion laboratory.
FH: 0191 2237849
RVI: 0191 2824435
Interpretation:

Types of compatibility testing: Serological testing - performed using the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT). It is used to detect ABO and non-ABO red cell antibody incompatibility between donor cell...

Types of compatibility testing: Serological testing - performed using the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT). It is used to detect ABO and non-ABO red cell antibody incompatibility between donor cells and patient plasma, by testing each donor unit against the plasma of the intended recipient. The (IAT) compatibility test is the default technique which should be used in the absence of functioning, validated IT or when electronic issue is contra-indicated. Generally patients with known alloantibodies or auto antibodies and neonates with maternal antibodies present require a serological IAT test.
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Factors Affecting Result:

Incorrect specimen type received, clotted, haemolysed, icteric or lipaemic samples. Clotted samples may interfere with instrument pipetting and must not be used. Fibrin or particulate matter, clots...

Incorrect specimen type received, clotted, haemolysed, icteric or lipaemic samples. Clotted samples may interfere with instrument pipetting and must not be used. Fibrin or particulate matter, clots, bubbles or scratches on the test cassette can interfere with reaction interpretations.
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Routine Contact Name:

FH Section Leads
RVI Section Leads
Routine Telephone:

Freeman: 0191 213 7849
RVI: 0191 282 4335

Freeman: 0191 213 7849
RVI: 0191 282 4335
Specialist Test:

Yes

Yes
Specialist Contact Name:

Transfusion manager

Transfusion manager
Specialist Telephone:

0192 213 9169

0192 213 9169

Compatibility Testing

Clinical Background:

Test Details

Availability:

Turn Around: