Red Cell Reference Laboratory

Completion of the Request for Testing (for Red Cell Reference Lab) (RFT)

In addition to the specimen identification, the RFT must contain all the information that is printed in red on the RFT: draw date/time, physician or authorized person ordering test, to whom to send the report, and if a donor, the patient name for whom the donor is donating. Identifying a contact person is highly encouraged to facilitate timely resolution of discrepancies and questions. Other information on the RFT is optional. Please submit RCRL History if not a local King County hospital.

Samples
Samples drawn for this laboratory MUST meet the same requirements as samples drawn for a blood request. Sample requirements for some tests are given below; please call the laboratory for samples required for other tests (206-292-6534).

Complete information on sample requirements, CPT codes, and test descriptions, scheduling and reporting can be found online (Red Cell Reference Laboratory). Samples containing silica gel should not be submitted for testing.

If patient has been transfused within the last 30 days, send pre- and post-transfusion samples of most recent transfusion if possible.

Labeling
All samples must be properly labeled and information must agree with the identification on the RFT.

  • If a specimen is identified by name, there must also be a numeric identifier which may include Hospital number, SS#, birth date, or other coded identifier.
  • If only a numeric identifier is used (with no name), the number must be a Hospital number, SS#, or coded identifier. A birth date is not acceptable in this circumstance.
  • A draw date should be on the sample but the sample will still be accepted if the draw information is on the RFT.

Transporting Samples
Please notify the laboratory of shipping arrangements by phone, (206-292-6534) or Fax (206-343-1778). All samples must be sent to the Blood Center in a sealed, leak-proof container marked with a biohazard sticker to comply with OSHA safety standards. Ship at ambient temperature unless instructed otherwise.

Test Sample Type*
(Clotted = red top, EDTA = purple top)		 Minimum Amount
Abbreviated Postnatal Profile - Baby Cord Blood (prefer EDTA)
or
Peripheral Blood (prefer EDTA)		 7 ml

1-2 microtainer
Abbreviated Postnatal Profile - Mother EDTA 7 ml
ABO EDTA 7 ml
ABO Minor Mismatch BMT EDTA 7 ml
ABO & Rh EDTA 7 ml
Anti-A Titer EDTA 7 ml
Anti-B Titer EDTA 7 ml
Antibody Identification Clotted and EDTA

20 ml EDTA

10 ml Clotted
Antibody Titer (other than anti-A and anti-B) EDTA 7 ml
Direct Antiglobulin Test EDTA 7 ml
Donath-Landsteiner Test Clotted and maintained at 37° C 10 ml
Extended Postnatal Profile - Baby Cord Blood (prefer EDTA)
or
Peripheral Blood (prefer EDTA)		 7 ml

1-2 microtainer
Extended Postnatal Profile - Mother EDTA 7 ml
Fetal Bleed Screen
or
Kleihauer-Betke Stain		 EDTA 7 ml
Ham's Test Fresh Clotted or sodium citrate or ACD 7 ml
Hemolysis Evaluation EDTA Two 7 ml tubes
Indirect Antiglobulin Test (Antibody Screen) EDTA 7 ml
Lectin Panel EDTA 3 ml or 1 microtainer
Long-term BMT Followup EDTA 7 ml
Potential Donor Profile EDTA 7 ml
Pregnancy Followup Testing EDTA 7 ml
Prenatal Antibody Identification EDTA Two 7 ml tubes
Prenatal Profile EDTA 7 ml
Provision of Antigen Negative RBC Units None None
Provision of Crossmatch Compatible RBC Units EDTA 7 ml
Red Cell Antigen Phenotyping EDTA 7 ml
Rh Type EDTA 7 ml
Resolution of ABO Discrepancy EDTA 7 ml
Suspected Delayed Hemolytic EDTA Two 7 ml tubes
Thermal Amplitude EDTA 7 ml
Transplant Recipient Profile EDTA 7 ml

*Samples containing silica gel should not be submitted for testing.

Transporting Samples
All samples must be sent to the Blood Center in a sealed, leak-proof container marked with a biohazard sticker to comply with OSHA safety standards.