STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) : TRACEABILITY OF BLOOD BAGS

BLOOD CENTRE NAME

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

To label the blood bags and pilot tubes after verification of donor details in order to accurately relate the blood product to the donor. The unit number label is the unique identifier for the donor and all the blood components separated from the unit collected from the donor.

2. RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of the phlebotomist collecting the blood units to ensure proper labelling and recording of the requisite details, even if the donor area attendant affixes the labels.

3. MATERIAL REQUIRED

Sticker labels with pre printed serial number (10 Labels/Unit Number).

• PROCEDURE

• Give each donor a unique number and once his blood is collected, identify by that number only.

• Do not write donor’s name on his/her blood bag or sample tube. This maintains the donor’s confidentiality.

• Affix pre printed number labels on the primary bag on both sides, on all the satellite bags in case of multiple bags and the three pilot tubes (2 plain and one with CPD anticoagulant).
  • Verify the donor’s identity by tallying with the name on the master registration card. Affix the unit number label, which is loosely attached to the bag now to the card.

• Cross check the numbers on the bag, pilot tubes and master registration card to ensure      identity. Record the entry in the donor register using the same number.

• Transcribe this number on all records hence forth for storage, testing and distribution.

• Whilst issuing the unit, use the same number on issue record.

• DOCUMENTATION

Make sure that the number is written clearly on all records and there are no transcription errors, as this number will trace any product to the donor of the blood and vice versa in case of requirement.