Competency information
Details
Select further tests to investigate ABO/D typing anomalies, and to recognise situations where conclusive results cannot be obtained ‘in-house’ and referral for further testing is required.
Considerations
- Sample acceptance criteria for transfusion and risks associated with mislabelled samples and incomplete paperwork.
- Value of linking to historical records.
- Security afforded by automation and IT, and risks of manual testing and transcription steps in pre-transfusion testing.
- Specifications, performance characteristics and limitations of reagents used for patient blood grouping, and specific reagent controls required.
- Principles of routine, manual and automated tests for grouping and antibody screening, and controls required.
- Principles behind different indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) technologies (e.g. column agglutination, tube, solid phase) and potential sources of error in each.
- BCSH guidelines for compatibility testing or national equivalent.
- ABO subgroups (A2, Ax, etc.).
- Partial D and weak D (especially DVI).
- Selection of reagents and techniques to investigate ABO/D grouping anomalies.
- Recognition of mixed field reactions and of the clinical significance of multiple populations of cells.
- Process for systematic exclusion of clinically significant red cell antibodies, and positive identification of antibodies present.
- Patient/request criteria for electronic issue.
- System criteria for electronic issue.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 | Outcome Perform routine pre-transfusion procedures and serological tests, correctly interpret results and investigate anomalies to ensure provision of compatible blood for patients. |