Competency information
Details
Interpret the results of simple antibody identification investigations (i.e. single antibody or two antibodies reacting distinctly by different techniques) and recognise cases requiring additional tests or clinical advice.
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. |