FAQ

Once a properly labeled specimen and completed paperwork are received by our laboratory, results are normally available within 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity of the antibody(ies). A complex workup (such as an auto antibody on a recently transfused patient) can take 24-48 hours to complete. Our laboratory staff will call your lab to update on progress for workups that take longer than 4 hours.

Label each segment with the identification number of the product. Place the segments in the bio-hazard bag with the patient samples. Please do not place segments in a labeled test tube unless they are well secured in the tubes. The segments can get displaced from the tubes in transport making reconciliation different.

A social security number is the best patient identifier because it is the only truly unique identifier across facilities. We often get samples from the same patient from different facilities. The only way to positively identify a patient is via their Social Security number. Remember, sharing their Social Security number with us is NOT a HIPAA violation because the information being used is for the purpose of patient care.

Absolutely! You can refer them to the Circular of Information for the Use of Human Blood and Blood Components. This document has everything you need to know about donation, manufacturing and transfusing of blood products. We distribute handy pamphlet sized versions of this document, but you can also access the most current version of the Circular by clicking on the link above. Please let us know if you would like more printed versions.

If your facility encounters a possible Transfusion Transmitted Infection, call our hospital services line at 512-206-1229. We prefer not to distribute this form, as this is not a frequently encountered event and we want to be sure that the most current version is used. When you call us, we will fax the form to you and guide you through the process. The event will be thoroughly investigated here at We Are Blood, and your facility will be notified of the results of the investigation.

Statistics show that the most common cause of mis-transfusion is incorrect patient identification. This is the most important part of the transfusion process. We Are Blood is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. The regulations of this organization are called the Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services. Standards require:

a. Labeling samples with two unique independent identifiers,
b. Documenting the date of collection (we also require time), as well as the phlebotomist,
c. Labeling of the sample prior to leaving the patient's bedside, and
d. The transfusion service shall accept only those specimens that are completely, accurately, and legibly labeled.

In the interest of patient safety and compliance, the Blood Center strictly abides by these regulations. Please refer to the Job Aid or the Request Form included in your collection packet for specific sample collection requirements of We Are Blood.

To ensure products are most appropriately utilized, Hospital Services staff is trained on alternate blood types that are acceptable for transfusion of all types of blood products. When they ask if you can use an alternate blood type, they are attempting to use shorter-dated products first to avoid expiration. Usually, this situation applies to platelet orders. Using non-type specific platelets (when possible), helps stabilize the entire community's platelet inventory by reducing expirations. We do, however, understand that some patient's require type specific platelets. We just ask that you inquire with the ordering physician to see if type-compatible platelets are acceptable. If the ordering physician requires type-specific, just let us know and we will find a product to meet the needs of your order.

A strict sample labeling protocol is in place to prevent clerical errors, patient misidentification, or sample collection errors. Samples must be labeled according to We Are Blood’s requirements at the patient’s bedside to ensure patient safety.

Find out more here.

Checking this box indicates that it is acceptable to fill the order with products from donors that have previously tested negative for the antigen(s) indicated on the request form. These products will not have testing performed to confirm that they are antigen negative, but a tag attached to the unit will indicate the antigens for which the donor previously tested negative.

A minimum of 3 mL untouched EDTA that is less than 14 days old and labeled with patient name, ID, date and time of collection and collector’s initials is required to send samples to Carter BloodCare for molecular testing.

Sample requirements are detailed on the Transfusion Medicine Request Form. Contact the Laboratory with any questions about sample requirements in unusual circumstances.