Blood transfusions: Cross matched blood – message from Dr Shivan Pancham

June 8, 2020

Due to a laboratory issue the procedure to cross match blood will take  longer. It will  take at least an hour to provide cross matched blood from the receipt of the sample in the laboratory. The issue is being addressed but is likely to be a few weeks. We will update you when the situation improves.

These measures are to avoid ABO incompatible transfusions which is a never event. In an emergency, O negative units and Group specific blood is available.

How can you help? The principles of better blood transfusion are:

1.  Where possible plan transfusions during day time hours.
2. Any transfusions  at night should be for clinically urgent indications only

Please contact Dr Shivan Pancham, Haematology Consultant shivan.pancham@nhs.net  for any queries.