Blood Transfusion Service

The Banc de Sang i Teixits is the blood bank that supplies blood components for all hospitals and clinics in Catalonia. In addition:

  • The BST has taken full responsibility for the transfusion services of 11 hospitals in Catalonia's national health network.
  • It has shouldered the task of being the main centre to which queries about transfusions are referred for all hospital and clinic transfusion services in Catalonia.
  • It participates in hospital transfusion committees.
  • It conducts active haemovigilance throughout the Catalan territory.

Pre-transfusion tests

These are tests that must be run before transfusing blood or any of its components to ensure that the product to be administered is the best possible match for the recipient.

Methodology

ABO Group

Forward grouping, in which the recipient's red cells are combined with anti-A, anti-B and anti-AB reagents.

Reverse grouping, in which the recipient's serum is combined with A1 and B reagent red cells.

These tests are done prior to all transfusions.

Rh (D)

Test using a monoclonal anti-D reagent.

If the test is negative, it is repeated with a monoclonal IgG-IgM anti-D reagent capable of detecting DVI (variant of the D antigen).

Irregular antibody screen

Using the 37º C indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) technique, the recipient's serum is tested against a panel of three blood cells containing antigens of clinical significance.

If the screen is positive, the antibody is identified by testing the serum against a 10-RBC panel.

Irregular antibody screening is only performed for red cell transfusions.

Crossmatching

Crossmatching is done by combining the recipient's serum with the potential donor's red cells, using the 37º C IAT technique.

This is only performed in clinical situations as a pre-transfusion test on red cell or whole blood concentrates.