Optimal
Blood Testing, Preservation and Utilisation of Blood
These are the other major functions of the
Blood Bank and include the following :
Providing properly grouped
and crossmatched blood All blood units are processed for
cell and serum grouping by an automated computerised microwell blood grouping
system. Serum grouping confirms findings of cell grouping and also detects
rare atypical antibodies. Confirmatory testing (Du test) is done on all
units which test as Rh negative to rule out weak or partial Rh groups.
Detection of transfusion
transmitted infections - HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis and Malaria Each and every blood unit collected
is tested. Detection of anti-HIV-1 & -2 and Hepatitis is done by sensitive
ELISA kits using automated washers and computerised ELISA readers.
Providing specially processed
blood for patients requiring repeated transfusions Saline washed packed red cells
are prepared after special extensive crossmatching tests to detect atypical
red cell antibodies which can occur in these patients. These units have
a shelf-life of only 24 hours.
Ensuring optimal utilisation
of blood by preparing blood components Almost all the blood collected
is separated into the various blood components as depicted in the process
flow chart below. The Blood Bank has sophisticated equipments viz. Special,
large, refrigerated programmable centrifuges and plasma expressors as
well as experienced staff for the separation of these components in the
closed-system sterile PVC blood bags.
Proper preservation of
blood All blood units are preserved at
2-6 degrees centigrade, in a well-designed walk-in cooler (Cold Room)
equipped with a continuous temperature monitor and alarm facility. Plasma
and Cryo-precipitate are preserved in large freezers maintaining temperature
below -30° C, while platelet concentrates are kept on a special rotator
for continuous slow agitation which is essential for their proper functioning.
Prompt and appropriate
disposal of unsafe blood All units of blood suspected to
harbour infectious agents or be sub-optimal for any reason are carefully
autoclaved at the Blood Bank and destroyed by incineration at the Municipal
incinerator.
Promptly provide blood,
round the clock The Blood Bank crossmatches and
issues blood continuously, all the twenty-four hours, thus making it available
during all the emergency hours.