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Transfusion Medicine Paternal Testing - Provincial

Discipline

Transfusion Medicine

Overview

Description

  • A paternal sample may be requested to confirm the Rh status of the presumed father, if the expectant partner is Rh negative and/or,
  • To test for a specific antigen(s) in cases where the expectant partner has a clinically significant antibody.

Test ordering requirements

  • https://saskblood.ca/programs/prams-program/
  • The Most Responsible Practitioner (MRP) must complete the SHA request for Prenatal Testing.
    • Requisition completion cannot be delegated to phlebotomy/laboratory staff.
    • Expectant patients name and HSN are required in order for testing to be performed.

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Whole blood

Specimen collection container

Required volume

  • Optimal volume: 1 x 4 mL EDTA
  • Minimum volume: 1 x 4 mL EDTA

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.
  • Must be tested within 7 days of collection.

Rejection criteria

Testing Information

Clinical interpretation

  • Paternal testing includes a blood group which will help determine the need for RhIg during expectant patient’s pregnancy.
  • Paternal testing may also include antigen typing if the expectant patient has tested positive for a clinically significant antibody during pregnancy.

Performance

Methodology

  • Gel testing, tube testing or solid phase testing.

Days/times performed

  • Designated PRAMS Testing Sites
    • Royal University Hospital (Saskatoon), St. Paul’s Hospital (Saskatoon), Regina General Hospital, Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.
    • Testing performed Monday to Friday (0700-2130).
  • Current State Blood Drop Map

Maximum laboratory time

  • Results reporting: Within 7 days of receipt in Transfusion Medicine.

Specimen retention time

  • 7 days after testing is completed.

Other information

  • Testing is performed based on maternal blood group and antibody screen results.

Last Updated: December 12, 2024