Pre-transfusion requests ONLY
All specimen labels must be handwritten and contain the following information:
Patient surname
Patient first name
Gender
Date of birth (not age)
Hospital number
Ward
Signature of person taking blood
Time sample taken
Positive patient identification is paramount for provision of safe transfusions.
Note: Specimens that are labelled with Addressograph labels will be discarded and a new sample requested.
Samples will only be accepted for processing if the request form and sample label information are identical and the patient identification declaration on the request form is complete. Any omissions or discrepancies will lead to sample rejection/disposal and a new sample will be requested. Alterations to the sample label will not be allowed once received within the laboratory. There is an All Wales Zero Tolerance Policy with specific sample acceptance criteria.
Please supply relevant details on the request form of the number of units and specific blood component required, the date and time of transfusion, reason for the transfusion request and any relevant transfusion history.
When making requests for Kleihauer tests, please include additional information where possible, such as maternal blood group, post-natal cord blood sample etc. An indication of clinical diagnosis and duration of the pregnancy is of great value to laboratory staff.
Consent must be obtained for pre-transfusion sampling and blood component and product administration.