Procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   The following information must be completed on the request:

   • first name
   • surname
   • date of birth
   • sex
   • hospital identification number
   • ward or department.
   Full identifiers are required to minimize the risk of patients with the same or similar names being given the incorrect blood component (Norfolk [202], E; Robinson et al. [236], C).

   To enable the laboratory staff to cross‐reference the details on the request form with the details on the enclosed blood sample. Discrepant samples should not be processed (JPAC [121], C).
2. 2.Show
   Complete the following clinical information:

   • diagnosis
   • reason for request: depending on local policy, this may include the National Blood Transfusion Committee indication code (see Box 12.9) (NBTC [177]); if relevant, state the surgical procedure
   • number and type of components requested
   • any special requirements, such as irradiated or cytomegalovirus‐negative blood
   • if group and screen only
   • date and time required.
   To enable laboratory staff to assess need against the surgical blood ordering schedule. E

   Some patient groups may have a fatal reaction to wrongly specified components, so non‐irradiated or washed components may be required (Norfolk [202], E; Robinson et al. [236], E).

   To allow laboratory staff to plan ahead for stock management and to ensure the required products are available at the correct time (SNBTS [261], C).
3. 3.Show
   Each request should also include:

   • the name of the competent healthcare professional requesting the component(s)
   • the name and signature of the person who has taken the blood sample.
   Every step of the transfusion must be fully traceable and the record held for 30 years (BSQR [34], C).
4. 4.Show
   The following information can also be included if it is available from the patient or in the patient's clinical record:

   • presence of known blood group antibodies
   • date of last transfusion
   • transfusions within the past 3 months
   • any previous reactions to transfusions
   • current or recent pregnancy (within preceding 3 months)
   • anti‐D administered in the previous 12 weeks
   • details of any drug treatments that interfere with the cross‐match (e.g. daratumumab).
   To facilitate the timely provision of blood components and interpretation of laboratory testing (Robinson et al. [236], C).