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Test Code Absc Antibody Screen

Useful For

Patient plasma is tested to assess for possible antibodies against red cell antigens that can cause hemolysis after transfusion. Most antibodies can be identified within 60 minutes, but outside reference testing may be required.

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required

Special Collection Instructions

Sample labeling requirements:
For all patients over the age of four months, when sample is intended for transfusion purposes:

  • A Blood Bank ID armband must be attached to the patient’s wrist at time of blood draw.
  • The tube may be either labeled by hand at the bedside with ink on an adhesive label or with a computer-generated label. Either label must contain the following information:
    • Complete first and last name. It is acceptable to hand write name if cutoff on computer label.
    • Medical record number
    • Date and time of collection
    • Name or initials of the person collecting the sample.
    • Blood Bank ID armband identifiers should be on tube, either in sticker form or hand written.
  • NOTE: Sample will need to be redrawn if missing any of the above information.

For patients under the age of four months, when sample is intended for transfusion purposes and/or cord blood samples:

  • Complete first and last name
  • Medical record number
  • Date and time of collection
  • Name or initials of the person collecting the sample.

Collection Method

Venipuncture

Minimum Volume

Adult 2 mL
Pediatric 1 mL in two MAP tubes

Container

Pink Top EDTA

Preferred Specimen

5 mL EDTA Whole Blood

Acceptable Specimens

EDTA Whole Blood

Reference or Target Ranges

Negative. If positive, antibody identification will be performed.

Critical Value

Positive screen with patients currently in OR

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis Threshold Gross hemolysis
Icterus Threshold N/A
Lipemia Threshold N/A
Interfering Substances/Other Missing any of the following: Complete first and last name, Medical record number, Date and time of collection, or Name or initials of the person collecting the sample.

Specimen Stability

Ambient 72 Hours
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) 72 Hours
Frozen(-70°C to -20°C) N/A

Performance Information

Days and Time Performed 24/7
Expected Turn Around Time

Stat: within 1 hour of arrival in lab

Routine: within 4 hours of arrival in lab
Stat Availability Yes
Performing Bench UH Blood Bank, WCH Blood Bank
Methodology/Method Description  
Ortho Vision Analyzer Gel Cards
Manual Gel Cards, tube method

Reflex Testing

Antibody Identification (ABID)

CPT Codes

86850

86870 x1, x2, x3, x4, or x5– ABID (if appropriate) The unit of service is the number of panels performed.

Additional Information / Important Notes

Positive test will reflex to Antibody Identification (ABID)