Clinical Chemistry - Blood Grouping & Rh Typing
Services for ABO blood grouping, Rh typing, and antibody screening are available only to women seen in the prenatal clinics at local health departments. These services are not available to other patients of local health departments or other health care providers.
Specimen Identification, Collection and Shipment
- Specimens should be accompanied by form DHHS Blood Grouping and Typing Form #2828 (PDF, 231 KB). Collection device kits are available by placing an order on the State Laboratory's Portal System.
- Complete all information and identification on DHHS form #2828. It is imperative that all of the following information be given: last name, first name, middle initial, patient number (social security number), address, date of birth, race, Medicaid number, submitter name, address and tax identification number (EIN#), specimen collection date, week of gestation, and clinical information (initial screen, previously detected antibody, previous abortion/pregnancy, blood transfusion. Please note on requisition if and when patient has received any Rhogam.
- Note: DRAW BLOOD BEFORE RHOGAM INJECTION. Collect ONE purple top (EDTA) tube from each patient.
- One (1) purple top tube, containing EDTA. Mix blood with EDTA immediately by gently inverting the tube 8-10 times.
- Label collection tube with patient’s name, date of birth, and date of collection. Laboratory testing will not be performed unless tube is labeled with patient identification.
- Refrigerate specimen until transported.
- Place completed Form #2828 with specimen into the mailing container. Do not wrap forms around individual tube. Ensure return address is on all copies of each form and outside of the mailing container. Add sufficient First Class postage to container.
- Mail the specimens on the day of collection to ensure specimen integrity. Specimens for ABO, Rh, and antibody screening must be tested within 5 days after collection.
Reporting and Follow-up Procedures
- A copy of results are returned to the submitting agency. They are also available on the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health Clinical Lab Result Reporting application.
- Records of results are filed by date of receipt in this Laboratory. Records are retained for five (5) years.
Note: At the present time, only two (2) antibody screens are available from this Laboratory per Rh-negative patient per pregnancy. The first screen should be done early in the pregnancy. The second screen should be performed after 24 weeks gestation.
See also:
Last Modified: April 15, 2013 8:14 AM