Haematology Blood samples and labs
Use the vacutainer system for your safety and that of others.
The accurate labeling of all blood samples is of paramount importance, especially requests for transfusion.
Specimens for cross-matching must be labeled by hand
Addressograph labels must not be used
The indications for clotting screen include:
- haemorrhage unrelated to trauma
- history of a known or suspected bleeding disorder
- known or suspected liver disease
- paracetamol OD with a delay in seeking medical advice
- after massive rapid transfusion
- suspected disseminated intravascular coagulation
Thrombophilia screen
Should be limited to:
- Patients with a known Fhx of thrombophilia
- Under 45 years old with VTE, no ppt cause
- Recurrent thromboses
- Thrombosis in an unusual site,
- FHx of thrombosis or
- FHx of recurrent (2 or more) VTE
- Past Hx of of recurrent foetal loss
Request
- Antithrombin
- Protein S, Protein C
- APC resistance
- Factor V Leiden mutation
- Lupus anticoagulant
- Anticardiolipin antibodies
Thrombophilia testing is very expensive and a full screen may cost in excess of 200 euro – use resources judiciously!
References
- British Journal of Haematology 2010: 149 (2) 209-220 Clinical guidelines for testing for heritable thrombophilia
- Cork Kerry Hospital Laboratory Protocols
