ABO RH

Laboratory

Immunology/Virology

Description

ABO grouping, Rhesus (Rh) typing, and Antibody screening can be tested together using DG Gel 8 card technology. These tests are based on the reaction between the red blood cell antigen (present in the sample or reagent) and the corresponding antibody (present in the plasma or reagent). This reaction causes red blood cell agglutination, which is viewed after filtering through the gel microtubes on a DG GEL 8 card.

Test Methodology

Agglutination

Specimen Type

Anticoagulated blood (EDTA anticoagulant)

Sample Volume / Collection Container

• 5 mL in Pink Top EDTA Tube
• 4 mL in Purple Top (Lavender) EDTA Tube

Collection and Storage Guidelines

• Blood should be collected by standard venipuncture technique and stored at 2-8°C. Blood must be drawn in EDTA anticoagulant.
• Samples should be stored at 2 to 8°C until shipment and must be received within 3 days (72 hours) of collection.

Transportation Instructions

Ship refrigerated samples on frozen cold packs to maintain a temperature of 2 to 8°C.

Acceptable Arrival Temperature

2 to 8°C

Causes for Rejection

• Samples that are grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, or broken in transit.
• Quantity of sample is less than 3 mL.
• The details on the specimen do not precisely correspond with the patient’s records.
• Patient is younger than 6 months.
• Samples collected in a Red Top or Serum Separator Tube.
• More than 3 days have passed since the specimen was collected.
• Specimen received outside of the acceptable arrival temperature range.