ABSTRACT
The blood bank is a vital department found in all acute hospital trusts and forms part of the haematology directorate. The main responsibilities of blood bank are twofold: To receive blood sample requests from across the hospital, for example group and screen and to store and dispense blood products as needed. Group and save involves analysing the blood sample to determine the patient’s ABO group and screening the sample for common antibodies. Time required is made when the patient is stable but there is a chance blood products may be required in the near future. A cross-match is a direct request for blood, and the number of units required must be stated at the time of the request. Blood is usually cross-matched prior to surgery where significant blood loss is expected, for example abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The protocol is essentially a system of communication that expedites the delivery of urgent blood products to a patient with massive haemorrhage.
