If a CBC and/or an antibody screening test is ordered with this test, please submit a separate 4 mL specimen for each test.
Storage Instructions:
Specimens should be tested as soon as possible or within 72 hours of collection. Samples that cannot be tested immediately should be stored at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze red cells.
Causes for Rejection:
Gross hemolysis; bacterial or other contamination
Use:
Determination of ABO blood group and Rh type for transfusion candidates. Group and typing of expectant mothers and newborns may indicate potential for ABO hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn. Rh typing is used to determine Rh immune globulin candidacy for prenatal and postpartum patients.
Limitations:
Abnormal plasma proteins, cold autoagglutinins, positive direct antiglobulin test, and, in some cases, bacteremia may interfere with test interpretation. Variable testing results may be observed with partial antigens, which are rare variants of the D antigen.
