Safety precautions in blood bank laboratory
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9 September 2015 Show
The UK blood industry relies on a complex infrastructure to collect, screen, distribute and store blood. Blood safety is integral to this system and strict regulations are in place to mitigate any associated risks. So what procedures are in place and how have they enabled the UK to maintain a positive blood safety record? We take a look at blood safety measures in the UK. Donation SafetyIn the UK, restrictions are in place to determine who can give blood. All blood donors must be between the ages of 17 and 70 and in good health. Prior to donation, a health check will be carried out to ensure that the donor’s blood is safe for a patient to receive. The donor will also be asked detailed questions about their medical history, lifestyle and associated risks. Government figures reveal that over 10% of individuals attending UK blood sessions are deferred. During collection, meticulous care is taken to ensure that all equipment is sterile. One blood bag is filled per donor and all blood bags and sample tubes are labelled with unique donor identification numbers. Accurate cataloguing enables the tracking of a blood donation, in case of any complications. It is also is essential to avoid the wrong blood type being given to a patient. At donation clinics, all staff will follow best practice to maintain a sterile, safe environment at all times. They will frequently wash their hands using gels or wipes and ensure that prior to the insertion of needles, arms are thoroughly cleaned to avoid any risk of infection. Screening ProceduresAs donations in the UK are unpaid with donors giving for altruistic reasons, the transmission of serious infection is extremely rare. Nevertheless, it is essential to test blood for all common infections, to avoid passing these on to a patient. Sophisticated screening systems are in place, incorporating thirteen tests on each unit of donated blood. 11 of these are to identify the pathogens responsible for infectious diseases, including hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis. Despite efforts to keep donated blood sterile, bacteria can very occasionally develop. However, according to the NHS, there have been no bacterial infections contracted from contaminated blood in the UK since 2009. StorageSophisticated blood storage conditions are required to ensure blood products remain in optimum condition. The various components of blood require storage at different temperatures. Whole blood and red blood cells should be stored at 1-6°C, whilst plasma requires a temperate of -18°C or colder. Platelets are the most vulnerable to contamination, as they require storage at room temperature. (20-24°C) Optimum temperatures must be maintained at all times, including during the transportation and distribution of blood. Technical laboratory freezers, refrigeration and storage units are used so that temperatures of the different blood components can be monitored with pinpoint accuracy. There are also restrictions on the length of time that blood components can be stored for. Platelets can only be stored for 5 days, whilst it is safe to keep red blood cells for up to 42 days and frozen plasma can be kept for up to a year. Blood safety for HealthSystems for blood donation, screening, distribution and storage have to be robust to keep the UK supplied with safe blood products. Strict regulations at every stage of the process have facilitated a smooth-running and efficient system with an excellent safety record. To find out more about blood bank fridges and freezers and their safety features at Lorne Laboratories, view our specialist product pages or contact us for more information. < Back to blog list Screening Donated BloodBlood donors are asked a set of standard questions prior to donating blood to assist in determining if they are in good health and free of any diseases that could be transmitted by blood transfusion. If the donor’s answers indicate they are not well or are at risk for having a disease transmissible by blood transfusion, they are not allowed to donate blood. If the donor is eligible to donate, the donated blood is tested for blood type (ABO group) and Rh type (positive or negative). This is to make sure that patients receive blood that matches their blood type. Before transfusion, the donor and blood unit are also tested for certain additional proteins (antibodies) that may cause adverse reactions in a person receiving a blood transfusion. All blood for transfusion is tested for evidence of certain infectious disease pathogens, such as hepatitis B and C viruses and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The tests used to screen donated blood are listed below: tests used to screen donated blood
What are the protocol and precautions to be followed for blood storage?The blood should be kept in blood bank refrigerator at 4-6°C ± 2°C. The temperature of the blood should be monitored continuously. The storage centre should check the condition of blood on receipt from the mother centre and also during the period of storage.
What precautions should be taken when giving blood sample?Before your blood donation:. Get plenty of sleep the night before you plan to donate.. Eat a healthy meal before your donation. ... . Drink plenty of water before the donation.. Check to see if any medications you are taking or recently took would prevent you from donating. ... . Wear a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up.. What precautions does the doctor take before and during blood transfusion?The patient's vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate) are checked before, during, and after the transfusion. A nurse watches for any signs of an allergic or other type of reaction, including rash, fever, headache, or swelling.
What are the universal precautions in specimen collection?Follow universal precautions for the prevention of bloodborne pathogens when working with human serum and other body fluids. These include: Wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, laboratory coats. If you have cuts or abrasions on the skin of your hands, cover them with adhesive dressing.
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