Transfusion Medicine Cord Blood Testing - Provincial
Discipline
Transfusion Medicine
Overview
Description
- Cord blood red blood cell testing shall be performed to determine neonatal ABO Group and Rh type, direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and/or perform specific antigen typing when the post-partum patient (mother):
- Is Rh Negative, or
- Has been identified to have a clinically significant red blood cell (RBC) antibody, or
- At physician discretion.
Alias
- Cord
- Cord Blood
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Cord blood
Specimen collection container
- EDTA (lavender top).
Collection procedure
- Specimen labelling requirements – label with:
- Baby’s sex, last name, health services number (HSN), date of birth AND Expectant Patient’s first and last name, health services number (HSN) and date of birth.
Required volume
- Optimal volume: 4 mL
- Minimum volume: 1 mL
Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.
Transport and stability
- Store at 2-8°C.
- Specimen stability varies depending on methodology (24 – 72 hours). Refer to local laboratory policies to determine specimen stability.
Rejection criteria
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
- Postpartum patient blood group and antibody screen (presence of RBC alloantibodies).
Clinical interpretation
- Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) – a positive result may be indicative of red cell hemolysis due to an immune cause contributing to neonatal jaundice.
- Rh positive cord blood result will confirm the need for administration of RhIg to an Rh negative expectant patient.
Note: Cord blood ABO group results shall not be used for ABO identical red blood cell or crossmatched transfusion purposes.
Performance
Days/times performed
- Complex sites (RUH and RGH): testing available 24 hours/7 days a week.
- Advanced sites: testing available; hours variable.
- Basic sites: testing available; hours variable.
- Current State Blood Drop Map
Maximum laboratory time
- Routine:
- Complex sites and Advanced sites: within 24 hours of receipt in Transfusion Medicine.
- Basic sites: within 48 hours of receipt in Transfusion Medicine.
- Urgent:
- Within 4 hours of receipt in Transfusion Medicine.
- STAT:
- Within 1 hour of receipt in Transfusion Medicine.
Specimen retention time
- 5 weeks
Other information
Forms Required |
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Last Updated: June 12, 2024