Closely linked to Haematology, Blood Transfusion provides blood group identification and provides compatible blood products for transfusion.
Blood transfusion involves the testing of patient’s red cells and plasma to ensure the correct blood group is obtained for a patient and there are no antibodies in the patient’s plasma that may cause problems if a patient requires a blood transfusion. Pre-transfusion testing is performed when a patient does require blood and refers to the laboratory testing that is required to ensure compatibility between the blood of the transfusion recipient and the blood product intended for transfusion.
All our samples have a chemical that stops the blood clotting in the bottle so we can study the live blood cells and their character in detail. We provide a 24hour service to doctors within the hospitals and a routine service for doctors in the community.
The type of work we do in the laboratory includes:
- Blood group – this test is based on antibody/antigen reactions and tests which antigens are on a person’s red cell thus determining their blood group.
- Antibody screen – this test is based on antibody/antigen reactions and which antibodies are in the patient’s plasma.
- Crossmatch – this is where patient’s plasma is testing against donor blood to ensure compatibility prior to transfusion.
- Antenatal Screening – this is where bloods for blood group and antibody screen are taken at booking and also again at 28 weeks. Anti-D is issued to the RhD negative females during pregnancy at 28 weeks and then as and when required.
Our experienced and professionally qualified staff provide guidance and interpretation of these test results together with haematology clinics of various sorts to follow up investigations.
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