Rh (D) Type
Test Codes
EPIC: LAB5273, Beaker: RH
Department
Blood Bank
Instructions
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect: One Pink-top EDTA tube, properly labeled. (Minimum Volume: 5.0 mL)
Also acceptable: (For Newborn Patients) One Pink-top EDTA Microtainer®, properly labeled. (Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL)
It is extremely important that blood samples are accurately labeled. Inpatient labels must include the following information:
Non-Cord Blood Labeling:
- Patient's Name: Complete name, last name first. If the patient uses a first initial followed by a middle name, both must appear in proper order on the label.
- Wrist Band Number: Include the prefix letters, 4 numbers, and a suffix letter (example: BR1234T). Specimens lacking this complete information cannot be used for transfusion purposes and will be rejected and require recollection.
- Hospital Identification Number: The seven digit medical record number must be included on the label.
- Patient's Date of Birth
- Date and Time Collected
- Identification of Collector: Employee ID number or first initial and complete last name must be on the sample tube or documented in the computer system.
For Beaumont Reference Laboratory (Outreach) patients, please refer to the Laboratory Bulletin on Laboratory Specimens: How to Label Correctly.
Cord Blood Labeling:
These samples must be identified as Cord samples per hospital site labeling requirements and must be labeled with neonate first and last name, neonate MRN (Medical Record Number), mother’s name, time of collection and collector’s ID.
Note: Cord Blood Samples from multiple births are not acceptable for any testing. Samples obtained direct from infants of multiple birth are required to complete any blood bank testing.
*Note: Cord blood specimens cannot be used for transfusion purposes.
Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation
Maintain specimen at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) or refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.
Preparation for Courier Transport
Transport: Whole blood at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) or refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).
Rejection Criteria
- Improperly labeled specimens.
- Specimens with inadequate volume.
- Specimens collected in SST tubes.
- Specimens contaminated with IV fluids.
In-Lab Processing
Centrifuge the specimen upon receipt in the laboratory.
Storage
Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 72 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable
Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Specimens are held for a minimum of 11 days.
*Once a sample arrives in Blood Bank, it cannot be shared with other laboratories.
Laboratory
Dearborn Transfusion Medicine Laboratory (Blood Bank)
Farmington Hills Transfusion Medicine Laboratory (Blood Bank)
Grosse Pointe Transfusion Medicine Laboratory (Blood Bank)
Royal Oak Transfusion Medicine Laboratory (Blood Bank)
Troy Transfusion Medicine Laboratory (Blood Bank)
Taylor Transfusion Medicine Laboratory (Blood Bank)
Trenton Transfusion Medicine Laboratory (Blood Bank)
Wayne Transfusion Medicine Laboratory (Blood Bank)
Performed
Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
Results available within 2 hours of receipt in the Blood Bank for routine inpatient requests (without unexpected discrepancies) and as close to 8 hours after receipt in the Blood Bank for outpatient specimens.
Test Methodology
Hemagglutination.
Interpretation
By report.
Clinical Utility
After the ABO blood group system, the D antigen of the Rh system is the most important. The D antigen is more immunogenic than virtually all other blood group antigens. Determining a patient's Rh type is critical to prevent sensitization to the D antigen due to transfusion, and to aid in determination of an obstetrical patient's candidacy for Rh Immune Globulin.
Reference
AABB Technical Manual, current edition.
CPT Codes
86901
Contacts
Blood Bank Laboratory – DBN
313-593-7915
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – DBN
Location:
Phone: 313-593-7915
Blood Bank Laboratory – FH
947-521-8241
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – FH
Location:
Phone: 947-521-8241
Blood Bank Laboratory – GP
313-473-1949
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – GP
Location:
Phone: 313-473-1949
Blood Bank Laboratory – RO
248-898-9010
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – RO
Location:
Phone: 248-898-9010
Blood Bank Laboratory – TYL
313-295-5372
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – TYL
Location:
Phone: 313-295-5372
Blood Bank Laboratory – TRN
734-642-2263
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – TRN
Location:
Phone: 734-642-2263
Blood Bank Laboratory – TR
248-964-8020
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – TR
Location:
Phone: 248-964-8020
Blood Bank Laboratory – WYN
734-467-4285
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – WYN
Location:
Phone: 734-467-4285
Last Updated
10/29/2023
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