| Changes to Transfusion Specimen Validity |
|
Changes to sample validity for pretransfusion testing from the Melbourne Health Pathology Transfusion Laboratory
The National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) in conjunction with ANZSBT guidelines has recently implemented the Requirements for Transfusion Laboratory Practice document from Oct 2008. This document is the NPAAC standard that the entire transfusion laboratory must comply with.
In accordance with the standard the following table outlines the new requirement for sample (group & screen, cross match) validity. This would have effects mainly in the pre admission clinic routine for elective surgery and in obstetric/gynaecology clinics.
|
Criteria |
Sample validity |
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Samples collected in advance of elective surgery (“preadmission” samples) and where the patient’s history clearly excludes transfusion or pregnancy in the previous three months |
Previously 3/12 NOW 1 Month |
|
Pregnant women/ placenta praevia, not transfused in the last three months |
Previously 10/7 NOW 7/7 |
|
Patient transfused in the last three months |
72 hours as before |
For patients who are not compliant, or have difficult accessibility or whose surgery date has not been finalised, it would be desirable to send the pretransfusion sample at the time of first visit and to follow up with a repeat sample at the time of admission if the validity period expires or surgery date has been postponed.
For any further clarifications please contact the Transfusion Laboratory (RMH: 93427276; WH: 83456292 & 83451485) or the Haematologists on call (via RMH switch: 93427000). | 
