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Test Code Billings Clinic: 5008 Crossmatch, Packed Red Cells

Important Note

  • This test should only be ordered for Inpatients or approved Outlying Clients.
  • We will not ship blood to area hospitals
  • Contact United Blood Services for this service

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Blood Bank

Useful For

This test is done to determine compatibility of blood prior to transfusion.

Methodology

MTS Gel Card

 

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

  • If specimen being drawn may result in a transfusion, patient must be wearing an identification bracelet. A Typenex® (Fenwal) identification band must be completed and placed on patient’s left wrist at time of draw.
  • All specimens must be completely labeled in accordance with the American Association of Blood Banks’ (AABB) requirements.
  • If specimen is spun down, label appropriately (plasma or serum) and send along with RBCs.

EDTA Whole Blood (Preferred Specimen Type)

  • Draw a full, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, 5 ml or 9 mL
  • Send the unprocessed EDTA whole blood refrigerated.
  • Do not centrifuge.
  • Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly.
  • If there is a delay in transport of ≥6 hours, spin down and send plasma and RBCs refrigerated.

Whole Blood

  • Draw a full, plain, red-top tube
  • Send 7 mL of unprocessed whole blood refrigerated.
  • Do not centrifuge.
  • Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly.
  • If there is a delay in transport of ≥6 hours, spin down and send serum and RBCs refrigerated.

Reject Due To

  • Specimen received in serum gel tube
  • Specimen received in plasma gel tube

Reference Values

Not applicable

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

86920 - Compatibility test each unit; immediate spin technique

Profile/Testing Information

  • Crossmatched blood is routinely released for use by other patients within 24 hours if not used.
  • Orders to “HOLD” blood must be requested in written form and state the length of time to hold the blood, up to a maximum of 48 hours.
  • A new patient specimen is required for retesting every 3 days from time of initial transfusion or if the person has been previously transfused within the last 3 months.