Module information
Details
- Title
- Transfusion - Pre-compatibility Testing
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-HT-S4-2
- Credits
- 10
- Requirement
- Optional
Aim of this module
This module will provide trainees with experience performing pre-transfusion testing, identifying additional testing relevant to the sample under investigation, reporting results and translating these results into the clinical context of the patient.
Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Competency
Perform sample identification and acceptance according to current guidelines and laboratory policies |
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 |
Competency
Perform, interpret and report ABO, extended Rh and K typing on patient samples |
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,7 |
Competency
Perform appropriate further testing or referral and reporting for anomalous ABO and Rh grouping results |
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 |
Competency
Perform, interpret and report antibody screening and antibody identification |
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 |
Competency
Perform appropriate further testing, reporting and/or referral for unresolved antibody identifications |
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 |
Competency
Perform and interpret autoantibody investigations |
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,3,4,5,9 |
Competency
Select and issue appropriate blood components in accordance with current guidelines and clinical details |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 |
Competency
Produce a transfusion management plan for patients with a haemoglobinopathy |
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 1,2,4,5,9 |
Competency
Perform, interpret and report serological crossmatching and electronic issue |
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 |
Competency
Perform a transfusion reaction investigation and draft a report including advice on the clinical management where appropriate |
Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- EI or crossmatch with selection of appropriate blood for crossmatch.
- Perform testing to resolve blood grouping for samples with anomalous initial results.
- Perform an elution technique on a sample with a positive DAT.
- Perform and interpret antibody identification on a sample with more than one red cell antibody.
- Perform allo-adsorption investigation.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Discuss transfusion requirements with a clinician for a patient where blood may not be readily available.
- Discuss a transfusion reaction case with a transfusion practitioner and explain the haemovigilance reporting needed.
- Report results and transfusion requirements for a patient with auto- and allo-antibodies.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select suitable and valid techniques for transfusion pre-compatibility testing. |
| 2 | Identify sequential testing algorithms appropriate to the samples under investigation for pre-compatibility testing. |
| 3 | Describe the limitations of methods used in pre-compatibility testing including sources of error and sample issues. |
| 4 | Practice in accordance with guidelines and procedures relevant to pre-transfusion testing. |
| 5 | Perform acceptance testing of samples requiring pre-transfusion testing and ensure samples follow appropriate testing streams relating to clinical condition. |
| 6 | Perform phenotyping and/or referral of genotyping to complete investigation for pre-transfusion testing. |
| 7 | Propose resolutions for anomalous blood group antigen typing. |
| 8 | Devise and perform investigative strategies for complex antibody identifications and transfusion reaction investigations. |
| 9 | Identify transfusion requirements and create management plans for patients following completion of all pre-compatibility investigations. |
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Evaluate the design, operation and performance of pre-transfusion procedures and serological tests and their use to ensure provision of compatible blood for patients, including the significance of red cell antigens and antibodies.
- Critically appraise the procedures and practices required to select and issue appropriate blood, components and products for patients including blood stock management, the need for full traceability and maintenance of the cold chain.
- Justify the need to work within current national guidelines for transfusion applicable regulatory requirements and quality management systems in the transfusion laboratory.
- Appraise the partnership between the hospital blood transfusion laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the transfusion process and patient care.
Indicative content
- Blood group systems, genes, antigens, antibodies and their clinical significance in transfusion medicine.
- Immunological basis of antibody-mediated red cell destruction.
- Factors affecting antigen-antibody reactions in vitro and the principles of serological tests.
- Intra-operative autologous transfusion technologies.
- Pre-transfusion testing protocols to establish compatibility.
- T. systems, automation and security.
- Indications for and administration of blood components.
- Selection of components for patients with special requirements e.g. sickle cell disease, neonates.
- Transfusion support for transplant patients (bone marrow, stem cell and solid organ transplant).
- Appropriate use of blood and components.
- Novel blood derivatives, therapeutics and their application.
- Alternatives to transfusion.
- Management of major haemorrhage.
- Management of major incidents.
- Management of transfusion reactions.
- Blood stock management and traceability.
- Haemovigilance and incident/error management.
- Cold chain, transport of components and blood tracking systems.
- Quality management systems in transfusion.
- Current transfusion guidelines.
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
- Attend a regional transfusion committee meeting.
- Shadow with a medical consultant who regularly authorises blood transfusions and discuss emergency issue.
- Attend theatre or obstetric unit that uses cell salvage.
- Shadow a transfusion practitioner and discuss patient blood management and haemovigilance reporting.