Blood Type Confirmation

This test is usually ordered automatically when the system check by EPIC ascertains there is no previous blood type (ABO/Rh) history at the laboratory providing transfusion services.

ABO testing is performed to determine if patient has blood group of A, B, O or AB. Rh testing is performed to determine if patient is Rh(D) Positive or Rh(D) Negative. Both ABO and Rh testing establishes the blood type of the patient.

ABO/Rh may be performed on automated analyzer or standard tube method.

Preferred: 6 mL PINK TOP (EDTA)

Also acceptable: 6 mL or 3 mL LAVENDER TOP (EDTA)

Specimen verification and collection:

• Verification of positive patient ID must be performed in the presence of the patient by the person collecting the specimen and a second qualified staff member at the time of collection and include a verbal read back of the full legal name, spelling of the legal name, and MRN as it appears on the armband.
• Both persons performing the verification are required to sign or initial the labeled sample documenting verification was performed and the specimen was collected from the correct patient.
• Label specimen in the presence of the patient.
• Write collection date and time on specimen label.

Transport: Place specimen in separate biohazard bag and transport at room temperature

Transport temperature: Ambient

For UWMC patients: Send specimen to appropriate transfusion service lab. H location specimen will be sent to HMC, U location specimen will be sent to UWMC Montlake TSL.

For non UWMC clients: This is not available for non UWMC clients, See Blood Type [ABRH] for sending blood type testing to UW.

SPS: Send specimen to appropriate TSL immediately for further processing and testing