Transfusion Service

In many locations across the country, Vitalant laboratories provide comprehensive compatibility testing services for transfusion facilities that either do not, or choose not to, perform their own compatibility testing for units they transfuse.

There are two model offerings for this service:

  • Vitalant staff operate inside a hospital blood bank as a contracted partner and perform all blood bank testing on-site, including the issuance of blood products to the transfusionist. 
  • Patient samples are shipped out of a requesting facility to a centralized Vitalant testing laboratory, where all required testing is performed. Blood products are then issued back to the requesting facility.
    • This option requires mutual agreement and completion of a checklist outlining roles and responsibilities prior to providing these services. The requesting transfusion facility must have policies and procedures defined that cover the pre-analytical and post-analytical transfusion-related processes and ensure compliance with all appropriate state and federal regulations, in addition to transfusion standards set by AABB.

Products and services include:

  • Red blood cells, 100% leukoreduced
  • Platelets, 100% leukoreduced
  • Cryoprecipitate
  • Plasma
  • CMV negative red blood cells
  • Patient antibody detection
  • Component modifications, like irradiation or washing
  • Just-in-time delivery
  • Staff in-service training
  • Medical consultations (24/7/365)
IRL
HLA
CTL
TS
BS 313

TS 003

TS 009
Laboratory Category Test Name Description Turn Around Times Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Form
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services ABO/Rh ABO blood typing; Rh (D) Depends upon request; See TAT description 2 ETDA (7 mL) tubes and labeled according to Transfusion Service Guidelines
IRL, Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services, Red Cell Serology Antibody Detection (screen) Red cell antibody screen by multiple methodologies Depends upon request; See TAT description 1 plain red top and/or EDTA tube; Shipped in a container maintaining temperature between 1C - 10 C
IRL, Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services, Red Cell Serology Antibody Identification Panel Red cell antibody identification by multiple methodologies Depends upon request; See TAT description 1 plain red top and 4 EDTA tubes (No gel separator tubes); Shipped in a container maintaining temperature between 1C - 10 C
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Autologous Unit Whole blood and red blood cells are drawn from patients who anticipate requiring blood transfusions. Each unit is labeled “For Autologous Use Only” as they are not screened and tested for the general blood supply Depends upon request; See TAT description NA
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services CMV Unit Test Antibody screen for cytomegalovirus NA NA
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Crossmatch – Antiglobulin Compatibility test each unit; immediate spin technique; incubation technique; antiglobulin technique Depends upon request; See TAT description 2 ETDA (7 mL) tubes and labeled according to Transfusion Service Guidelines
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Crossmatch – Immediate Spin Compatibility test each unit; immediate spin technique Depends upon request; See TAT description 2 ETDA (7 mL) tubes and labeled according to Transfusion Service Guidelines
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Cryoprecipitate AHF (Cryo) Pooled Cryoprecipitated Antihemophilic Factor (AHF) contains fibrinogen, Factor VIII, Factor XIII, von Willebrand factor and fibronectin. Several units of Cryoprecipitated AHF have been pooled Depends upon request; See TAT description Cryoprecipitate in process for customer order will not be credited if cancelled or unused
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services HLA Matched Platelets Apheresis donor platelets previously HLA typed are provided to match the patient’s HLA A,B allele type Depends upon request; See TAT description Platelets that are in transit to customer will not be credited if unused
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Irradiation for Component Irradiated blood is prepared by exposing the component to a radiation source to prevent proliferation of T lymphocytes Depends upon request; See TAT description Irradiation in process for customer order will not be credited if cancelled or unused
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Physicians Services Blood bank physician services; difficult cross match and/or evaluation of irregular antibody(s), interpretation and written report NA NA
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Plasma, Cryo Reduced Plasma, cryoprecipitate reduced is prepared from FFP after thawing and centrifugation and removal of the cryoprecipitate. The remaining product is plasma that is deficient in fibrinogen, Factor VIII, Factor XIII, von Willebrand factor, cryoglobulin and fibronectin Depends upon request; See TAT description Plasma in process for customer order will not be credited if cancelled or unused
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Plasma, Frozen Within 24 Hours After Phlebotomy Plasma frozen within 24 hours after phlebotomy is prepared from a whole blood collection, separated and placed at -18 C or below within 24 hours from whole blood collection. Units contain 200-250 mL on average. This plasma component is a source of nonlabile plasma proteins. Levels of Factor VIII are significantly reduced and levels of Factor V and other labile plasma proteins are variable compared with FFP. Plasma should be infused immediately after thawing or stored at 1 to 6 C for up to 24 hours Depends upon request; See TAT description Plasma in process for customer order will not be credited if cancelled or unused
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Platelets, Apheresis Leukocyte Reduced Apheresis platelets leukoreduced can by leukocyte reduced during the collection process or may be prepared by further processing using leukocyte reduction filters. The therapeutic goal of platelet transfusion is to provide adequate numbers of normally functioing platelets for the prevention and cessation of bleeding Depends upon request; See TAT description Platelets that are in transit to customer will not be credited if unused
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Red Blood Cells Leukocyte Reduced Red blood cells contain hemoglobin and serve as the primary agent for transport of oxygen to tissues. This component is prepared by centrifugation or sedimentation of whole blood to remove much of the plasma, and can also be prepared by apheresis methods. Leukocyte reduction is achieved by filtration Depends upon request; See TAT description NA
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Red Blood Cells, Deglycerolized Frozen red blood cells are made available for infusion by thawing and removing glycerol by washing the cells Depends upon request; See TAT description Deglycerolized red blood cells that are in transit to customer will not be credited if unused
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Serologic Problem Case – see (IRL) reference testing Refer to IRL test descriptions NA NA
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Transfusion Reaction Investigation Investigation of transfusion reaction, physician interpretation and written report NA NA
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Turn Around Times STAT: Units required within 3 hours of sample receipt ASAP: Units required within 6 hours of sample receipt Routine: Units required within 24 hours of sample receipt NA Insufficient sample or incomplete patient information may result in delays
Transfusion Service Compatibility Testing & Product Services Whole Blood Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cyroprecipitate. This product is rarely used for transfusion because the components are separated and individually ordered and transfused Depends upon request; See TAT description NA
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name ABO/Rh
Description ABO blood typing; Rh (D)
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements 2 ETDA (7 mL) tubes and labeled according to Transfusion Service Guidelines
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory IRL, Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services, Red Cell Serology
Test Name Antibody Detection (screen)
Description Red cell antibody screen by multiple methodologies
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements 1 plain red top and/or EDTA tube; Shipped in a container maintaining temperature between 1C - 10 C
Form Form BS 313, Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory IRL, Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services, Red Cell Serology
Test Name Antibody Identification Panel
Description Red cell antibody identification by multiple methodologies
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements 1 plain red top and 4 EDTA tubes (No gel separator tubes); Shipped in a container maintaining temperature between 1C - 10 C
Form Form BS 313, Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Autologous Unit
Description Whole blood and red blood cells are drawn from patients who anticipate requiring blood transfusions. Each unit is labeled “For Autologous Use Only” as they are not screened and tested for the general blood supply
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements NA
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name CMV Unit Test
Description Antibody screen for cytomegalovirus
Turn Around Times NA
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements NA
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Crossmatch – Antiglobulin
Description Compatibility test each unit; immediate spin technique; incubation technique; antiglobulin technique
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements 2 ETDA (7 mL) tubes and labeled according to Transfusion Service Guidelines
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Crossmatch – Immediate Spin
Description Compatibility test each unit; immediate spin technique
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements 2 ETDA (7 mL) tubes and labeled according to Transfusion Service Guidelines
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Cryoprecipitate AHF (Cryo) Pooled
Description Cryoprecipitated Antihemophilic Factor (AHF) contains fibrinogen, Factor VIII, Factor XIII, von Willebrand factor and fibronectin. Several units of Cryoprecipitated AHF have been pooled
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Cryoprecipitate in process for customer order will not be credited if cancelled or unused
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name HLA Matched Platelets
Description Apheresis donor platelets previously HLA typed are provided to match the patient’s HLA A,B allele type
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Platelets that are in transit to customer will not be credited if unused
Form HLA Requisition Form BS 320H
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Irradiation for Component
Description Irradiated blood is prepared by exposing the component to a radiation source to prevent proliferation of T lymphocytes
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Irradiation in process for customer order will not be credited if cancelled or unused
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Physicians Services
Description Blood bank physician services; difficult cross match and/or evaluation of irregular antibody(s), interpretation and written report
Turn Around Times NA
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements NA
Form NA
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Plasma, Cryo Reduced
Description Plasma, cryoprecipitate reduced is prepared from FFP after thawing and centrifugation and removal of the cryoprecipitate. The remaining product is plasma that is deficient in fibrinogen, Factor VIII, Factor XIII, von Willebrand factor, cryoglobulin and fibronectin
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Plasma in process for customer order will not be credited if cancelled or unused
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Plasma, Frozen Within 24 Hours After Phlebotomy
Description Plasma frozen within 24 hours after phlebotomy is prepared from a whole blood collection, separated and placed at -18 C or below within 24 hours from whole blood collection. Units contain 200-250 mL on average. This plasma component is a source of nonlabile plasma proteins. Levels of Factor VIII are significantly reduced and levels of Factor V and other labile plasma proteins are variable compared with FFP. Plasma should be infused immediately after thawing or stored at 1 to 6 C for up to 24 hours
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Plasma in process for customer order will not be credited if cancelled or unused
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Platelets, Apheresis Leukocyte Reduced
Description Apheresis platelets leukoreduced can by leukocyte reduced during the collection process or may be prepared by further processing using leukocyte reduction filters. The therapeutic goal of platelet transfusion is to provide adequate numbers of normally functioing platelets for the prevention and cessation of bleeding
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Platelets that are in transit to customer will not be credited if unused
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Red Blood Cells Leukocyte Reduced
Description Red blood cells contain hemoglobin and serve as the primary agent for transport of oxygen to tissues. This component is prepared by centrifugation or sedimentation of whole blood to remove much of the plasma, and can also be prepared by apheresis methods. Leukocyte reduction is achieved by filtration
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements NA
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Red Blood Cells, Deglycerolized
Description Frozen red blood cells are made available for infusion by thawing and removing glycerol by washing the cells
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Deglycerolized red blood cells that are in transit to customer will not be credited if unused
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Serologic Problem Case – see (IRL) reference testing
Description Refer to IRL test descriptions
Turn Around Times NA
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements NA
Form NA
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Transfusion Reaction Investigation
Description Investigation of transfusion reaction, physician interpretation and written report
Turn Around Times NA
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements NA
Form Transfusion Reaction Report Form TS 009
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Turn Around Times
Description STAT: Units required within 3 hours of sample receipt ASAP: Units required within 6 hours of sample receipt Routine: Units required within 24 hours of sample receipt
Turn Around Times NA
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements Insufficient sample or incomplete patient information may result in delays
Form NA
Laboratory Transfusion Service
Category Compatibility Testing & Product Services
Test Name Whole Blood
Description Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cyroprecipitate. This product is rarely used for transfusion because the components are separated and individually ordered and transfused
Turn Around Times Depends upon request; See TAT description
Sample, Packaging & Shipping Requirements NA
Form Transfusion Services Order Form TS 003