Legacy Laboratory Services
Blood bank-specimens
Blood Bank Specimen Collection Guidelines
Proper patient and specimen identification are of critical importance for safe transfusion. Clerical error is the most common cause of disaster in blood transfusion. A freshly drawn specimen will be required before transfusion of type-specific products when there is any question concerning proper identification of a specimen or patient. Mislabeled, incompletely labeled and unlabeled specimens will not be processed for transfusion. No exceptions to these rules are allowed.
It is strongly suggested that you print and use this list when collecting blood bank samples.
Outpatient Specimen Guidelines
Non-Transfusion Specimens, Including Prenatal, Blood Types And Antibody Screens
Ask the patient to state the following patient identification information and present picture identification, if available:
- Full name (first and last)
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Social Security Number, if available
Sample Labeling
Label the specimen in the patient's presence. The label must be legible and include the following patient information:
- Full name (first and last)
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Social Security Number, if available
- Initials of person collecting the specimen
- Date and time of collection
Transfusion in Legacy Outpatient Clinics
Ask the patient to state the following patient identification information, and present picture identification, if available:
- Full name (first and last)
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Social Security Number, if available
Required Sample
Adults: Two full 4.0 mL lavender (EDTA) top tubes
Neonates/Pediatrics: Two to six full lavender top microtainer tubes
Storage: Store at room temperature or refrigerate
Sample Labeling
Label the specimen in the patient's presence. The label must be legible and include the following patient information:
- Full name (first and last)
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Medical Record number, if available. If unavailable, a Fenwal identification band is required.
- Initials of person collecting the specimen
- Date and time of collection
Preadmission Patients For Surgery
The Legacy Preadmission policy allows certain patients to be drawn for blood bank testing up to 28 days before surgery. Patients must go through the hospital Preadmission Department to be eligible. Contact the Preadmission Department at the Legacy hospital where the surgery will be performed.
Inpatient Specimen Guidelines
Ask the patient to state the following patient identification information and present picture identification, if available:
- Full name (first and last)
- Date of birth (DOB)
Confirm the patient's identification band, the requisition and the specimen label all match for the following:
- Full name (first and last)
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Hospital identification number
Note: Do not collect the specimen until the identification is confirmed. A Fenwall number can be substituted for the hospital identification number if a hospital identification number is not available and immediate transfusion is required.
Required Sample
Adults: Two full 4.0 mL lavender (EDTA) top tubes
Neonates/Pediatrics: Two to six full lavender top microtainer tubes
Storage: Store at room temperature or refrigerate
Sample Labeling
Label the specimen in the patient's presence. The label must be legible and include the following patient information:
- Full name (first and last)
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Hospital identification number
- Initials of person collecting the specimen
- Date and time of collection
Second ABORH (Blood Type)
National Patient Safety Goals require enhanced methods to verify correct patient identification before blood transfusion. To improve patient safety, Legacy has initiated a process involving the collection of a second specimen (perform a second ABORH) on transfusion candidates with no Legacy Blood Bank history on file. This second sample must be collected at a different time than the first sample. Additional details are available from the Blood Banks.
