Test Directory

Antibody Investigation

Containers - Adult

BlueCap4.5mlSarstedt.jpg
Blue Cap 4.5ml Sarstedt
Volume Range
3 X 4.5ml
Additive per Container
EDTA

Containers - Child

BlueCap4.5mlSarstedt.jpg
Blue Cap 4.5ml Sarstedt
Volume Range
2 X 4.5ml
Additive per Container
EDTA

Reference ranges

​Reference Ranges not applicable

Laboratory Site

SJH
Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Telephone: 01506 523000
WGH
Crewe Road South
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU
Telephone: 0131 537 1000

Transport arrangements

Sample MUST be received within 24 hours of collection

Sample storage arrangements

Store at 4°;C

Special instructions for collection

NHS Lothian operates a Zero Tolerance approach in relation to blood sample acceptance criteria. Errors in patient identification and sample labelling may lead to ABO-incompatible transfusions.

The demographics on the samples MUST be hand written, legible and MUST match exactly to the accompanying request form. Samples labelled with an addressograph or where evidence of an addressograph have been attached will be discarded. Samples with errors or where patient core identifiers have been obliterated will be discarded.

Sample Labelling

The following patient identifying data and sampler signature is mandatory -

  • CHI number (or Hospital Number where no CHI number is available - See CHI exceptions)*
  • Surname
  • Forename
  • Date of Birth
  • Signature

Sample Labelling for Unknown Patients

  • Surname / Forename = UNKNOWN
  • Temporary Identification Number = beginning with 700
  • Gender
  • Sample dated and signed

Once patients details become known, a new sample must be sent to the laboratory

Request Form Labelling

Addressograph labels are acceptable for request forms. If the form is handwritten then the information must be clear, legible and MUST contain the following data identifiers -

  • Surname
  • Forename
  • Date of Birth
  • CHI Number (See CHI exceptions)*
  • Name and signature of the person taking the sample
  • Name of the requesting clinician. (For component requests, this is the Doctor or authorised Nurse that has prescribed the transfusion)
  • Clinical details are desirable but are not essential

*CHI Exceptions

Not all patients will have a CHI number. If the patient is a genuine CHI exception then the Hospital number is acceptable and MUST be used. A CHI number may not be available in the following circumstances -

  • Foreign visitors
  • Patients from England, Wales and Ireland
  • Patients not registered with a GP in Scotland
  • Patients currently remanded within Her Majesty's Prisons
  • Patients in the armed forces
  • Newborn infants 3 days old.

A MINIMUM of 2.0ml of blood is required for adult specimens. For paediatric patients, please refer to the link below for specimen types and volume ranges.


How to request

An Antibody Investigation is performed as a reflex test when the antibody screen (as part of the Group and Save) is found to be positive. In this instance, extra samples will usually be requested and must be sent to the lab with an accompanying request form.

Request Form (Obtained from Blood Transfusion Laboratory WGH / SJH)

Availability

Monday - Friday: routine service 09:00 - 17:00. Saturday - Sunday: routine service 09:00 - 13:00
Please contact the laboratory for urgent samples outside of routine hours.

Anticipated turnaround

Dependant on complexity of Antibody / Antibody combinations

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

If for what ever reason the sample is unsuitable, the ward / doctor will be informed. Depending on the antibody / antibody combinations identified, extra samples may be requested for further investigation. Please provide a telephone / bleep number.