Blood transfusion

Question 1

When donating blood how much is taken?

Answer 1

A pint of blood (roughly 500mls) is taken over 15 mins

Question 2

What tests are done on the blood in the lab before it is given to someone else?

Answer 2

HIV, hepatitis, syphilis
Bacterial tests for: CMV, malaria etc.
Serology tests of blood type and rhesus antigens and antibodies

Question 3

What type of antibodies are blood group antibodies?

Answer 3

igM, cause massive haemolysis if not matched properly

Question 4

What type of antibodies are resus D antibodies?

Answer 4

IgG

Question 5

What is group, screen and cross-match?

Answer 5

• Group tests the patient’s blood for ABO and RhD group
• Screen tests the patient’s plasma for atypical antibodies, such as anti-D and anti-Kell
• Cross-match is performed with column agglutination technology, in which the blood is introduced into a solution with antibodies.

Question 6

Who should O negative blood be given as a priority to?

Answer 6

Women of child bearing age as this reduces the chance of anti-RhD antibodies being generated

Question 7

What needs to be monitored after a transfusion?

Answer 7

potassium and calcium levels as transfused RBCs can leak potassium and citrate preservatives from the blood can bind calcium

Question 8

What are the key signs of a haemoylytic reaction?

Answer 8

Haemoglobinuria and haemobilirubinuria