Making Blood Transfusion requests and labelling subsequent samples
The detailed information required for completing a Blood Transfusion (BT) request or label a BT sample is shown in each Trust’s BT policy. All staff making requests for BT investigations must refer to this document.
REQUESTS
All requests for BT investigations MUST be made using a request form.
REQUEST FORMS
The request form MUST show all core patient identifiers and be dated and signed by the requestor. Other information is required and this is to be found in the local Blood Transfusion policy.
SAMPLES
All samples received for BT investigations MUST be labelled by hand at the time of collection at the patient’s side, showing the core identifiers included on the request form. The sample MUST be signed and show the date and time of collection. Printed labels cannot be used on BT samples.
DETAILS MUST MATCH
Any discrepancy between the labelling on the request form and sample will mean the request cannot be accepted and the sample will be discarded.
The patient details shown on the request form and sample MUST also agree with the details recorded on the Trust’s patient database and on the patient wristband. Any discrepancies may cause the sample to be discarded.
