Guidelines

Punjab Blood Transfusion Government of the Punjab,
Authority Health Department
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR

BLOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
PUNJAB
PUNJAB BLOOD TRANSFUSON

AUTHORITY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB
2015
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Blood transfusion is an essential part of any health care system. Used correctly, it can save
lives and improve health. Blood transfusion services in Pakistan are fragmented with a wide
diversity in the quality and range of services provided. There has been growing awareness
about quality in blood transfusion services, which has the objective of ensuring that only
those blood components which fulfill the desired standards in terms of efficacy and safety
are provided to patients. Keeping in view the vital importance of strict quality assurance at
each stage of the vein to vein transfusion chain, the Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority has
developed minimum standards and guidelines for blood establishments.
Originally prepared by GIZ Health Sector Support Program, the document has been adapted
to the requirements and needs of the Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority. The Authority is
indebted to GIZ and the Task Force (Col. Nuzhat Mushahid, Col (R) Farooq Khattaq, Prof.
Fazle Raziq, and Dr.Sartaj Khan) for developing the original document. The Authority would
also like to acknowledge the Technical Advisory Committee of the Punjab Blood Transfusion
Authority for their efforts in reviewing and approving the document. In addition, the Authority
would also like to extend its deepest gratitude to Dr. Saba Jamal and Dr. Javeria Aijaz for
providing valuable suggestions for improving and adapting this document to the
requirements of the Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority.
We sincerely hope that this document serves the purpose for which it was developed –
standardization and quality in blood transfusion services in Punjab. While this document is
developed to the best of the efforts and knowledge of the Authority, any suggestions for
improvement, from any quarter, for future editions would be of utmost value.
Lahore, Punjab, June 2015
DR. MUHAMMAD JAFAR SALEEM

Secretary
Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority
Lahore
2
CONTENTS
PART I
1. DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................ 1
2. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 2
3. REVISION OF STANDARDS-CHALLENGES & STRATEGIES ............................. 3
4. STRUCTURE AND USE OF THE DOCUMENT .................................................... 5
PART II
1. MANDATORY DOCUMENTATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............... 2
2. SPECIFICATIONS OF DONOR SESSIONS AND SELECTION OF DONORS ..... 6
3. BLOOD COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................... 15
4. TESTING OF BLOOD DONATIONS .................................................................... 25
5. PRE-TRANSFUSION TESTING .......................................................................... 33
3
PART I
4
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 Blood Establishment: A „Blood Establishment‟ is any registered body carrying out
any of the processes in the vein-to-vein transfusion chain.
1.2 Vein-to-vein transfusion chain: All procedures from the selection of blood donors
to the transfusion of blood are included in the vein-to-vein transfusion chain.
1.3 An „administrator‟ is any person with the administrative responsibility for the
operations of a blood establishment. An administrator may or may not be a
medical doctor.
1.4 An „in-charge‟ is a medical doctor appointed to supervise operations of the blood
establishment.
1
2. INTRODUCTION
Standards are published documents that establish specifications necessary to ensure the
reliability of the materials, products, methods, and services. In blood banking, standards are
necessary to ensure blood safety. Adoption of standards may be voluntary or mandatory,
depending on the circumstances. If adoption of standards is incorporated into law by the
government, their implementation becomes obligatory. On the other hand, if not included in
the law, a set of standards may be adopted for voluntary accreditation with certain
organizations (e.g. ISO).
The standards included in this document provide a framework for the implementation of
Blood Safety Laws in Pakistan. The document contains standards which are considered
absolutely essential for licensing of blood establishments, and hence will be used by the
Blood Transfusion Authorities to prepare inspection checklists, as well as evaluation and
licensing criteria.1The primary intent of this document, therefore, is to define the essential
criteria, all of which must be fulfilled if any Blood Centre is allowed to operate.As to Blood
establishments, these general standards require that everyCentrehave policies, processes,
and procedures to meet the specifications included in the document. Some guidelines, in
this regard, are also elaborated with the standards, while chapter 4 of this document
elaborates the essential documentation that all blood establishments must develop to meet
the standards.
Since blood establishments in Pakistan are working at different levels in terms of the quality
of services provided, this document, as already mentioned,lays down the minimum
essentials for conducting basic blood banking operations with acceptable level of safety for
donors and recipients. It is recognized that there are many state-of-the-art blood
establishments in Pakistan participating in voluntary accreditation programmes with
reputable international organizations. The intent, therefore, is not to reinvent the wheel but to
develop standards which are considered as most essential and mandatory for blood safety,
and hence compulsory for every blood establishment in Pakistan. Undeniably, any blood
establishment with sufficient resources regarding infrastructure, equipment, reagents or
human resource may target achieving any set of international standards, providing they add
to and not deviate from these minimum standards for Pakistan. This will not only enhance
blood safety in their settings, but will also help them to become model centres for rest of the
country.
1
The „Functional Brief for Blood Transfusion Authorities‟ also includes a template inspection checklist.
2
3. REVISION OF STANDARDS-CHALLENGES & STRATEGIES
The Blood Transfusion Services in Pakistan are essentially fragmented with a wide diversity
in the quality and range of services provided. According to estimates there are more than
1800 blood establishment in Pakistan. Most of these blood establishments are not regulated
and are neither following any standards. Blood Banking and transfusion services are being
offered by many public, armed forces, private and nongovernmental welfare organizations.
Some coordination of public sector blood banking services structure is found in the province
of Punjab only, which currently is unable to cater for the demand of all of the public sector
blood establishments.
Under such circumstances, the documentation of standards is challenging. The target would
be to achieve a balance between the capacities of the under-resourced
establishmentswithout compromising the quality of the services provided. With this target
ahead, the National Steering Committee2, during its second meeting held in June 2010,
decided to revise the existing National Standards and Guidelines and formulated a Task
Force (1) for this purpose.
While lack of baseline national data limits the capacity to alter international standards and
guidelines on the basis of objective evidence, an effort has been made to keep the local
circumstances under consideration while revising guidelines. The experience of Task Force
members in the field of blood banking and transfusion medicine in Pakistan was extremely
valuable in this context.The existing set of National Standards and Guidelines3 was used as
a baseline for modifications, additions or deletions, as may be necessary.
For the Blood Establishments primarily involved with blood collection, only sections on the
collection, labelling, record keeping and distribution of blood will apply whereas for some
Blood Establishments involved in collection, processing and distribution of blood, all the
relevant sections will apply. The standards pertaining to component preparation and storage
apply only to establishments having facilities for these.
The qualification and relevant experience of staff entrusted with blood transfusion varies
considerably between different blood transfusion services. Therefore, standards pertaining
to the „immediate supervision‟ of the facility have highlighted the need of supervision, without
mentioning the qualification. The purposeis to make the initial implementation of minimum
standards across the country possible. With the anticipatedimprovements in education,
qualification and service structure of human resource associated with transfusion, addition to
2
A National Steering Committee, headed by the Federal Secretary Health has been constituted to
eliminate overlapping in the Safe Blood Transfusion programme activities and to oversee
implementation of the programmes.Source: Federal PC-1.
3
The first edition of the Standards and Guidelines for Blood Transfusion Services was published by
the Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan in August 1999. It was compiled by a team
comprising senior members of Pakistan Society of Haematology, the programme managers of Blood
Transfusion Services from all the provinces of Pakistan, officers of the National AIDS Control
Programme and the WHO representative in Pakistan at that time. A major portion of the first edition
of „National Standards and Guidelines for BTS in Pakistan‟, was, however, adopted as such from the
latest edition of „Guidelines for BTS in the UK‟ at that time. The approved National Standards and
Guidelines, despite being widely distributed, remained un-implemented. Lack of a reflection of the
local perspective seems to be an important reason for their non-implementation, while there may
also be organizational, systemic and regulatory issues.
3
these standardsin the form of required qualification and work experience of staff will be
feasible.
The procurement of TTI screening kits procurement must be based on internationally

accepted evaluation procedures.In view of the prevailing lack of proper TTI testing in most
facilities, resulting in lack of blood safety, the section on the testing of blood donations has
given a relatively comprehensive description of the procedures that must be in place for the
purchase of screening kits. The implementation of these procedures will not only ensure that
the evaluation of screening kits is carried out by qualified personnel but will also make the
entire process transparent and simple for blood establishments.
Dearth of qualified and trained staff makes the use as well as the comprehension of existing
guidelines difficult. To enhance the comprehension of these guidelines, the structure has
been altered to separate the minimum essential standards, obligatory by the legislation of
Pakistan, from the operational guidelines on the methods of achieving those standards
which might be helpful but not obligatory by law.To enhance comprehension of the
document, the language has also been simplified, wherever possible, by splitting long
sentences into shorter phrases.
Financial limitations may prevent some centres from performing some of the procedures
included in the existing standards and guidelines. Therefore, the standards in this document
have included only the minimum essential standards, necessary for blood safety and
obligatory by the legislation of Pakistan. Where appropriate, relevant international
developments, occurring since the publication of the last guidelines, have also been
included. In general, therefore, this document is intended to be simple, easily
comprehendible and implementable.
4
4. STRUCTURE AND USE OF THE DOCUMENT
Each chapter of the document is divided into two sections. Section A states the minimum
standards that have to be met by all centres on which these are applicable, irrespective of
the scope and facilities available with them, whereas Section B comprises guidelines that
clarify the intent of standards and include recommendations on how to implement technical
requirements. In order to understand what is meant by standards and guidelines, these are
defined so that authors and users are on the same page.
A “standard” is collection of system specific requirements that must be met by everyone

under all circumstances. “Guidelines” are collection of procedure specific
instructions/suggestions that may be used to meet the standards. These are not binding and
any other procedures than those stated in the guidelines can be adopted to meet the
standards. The standards have scientific basis and are sometimes based on the best
judgment of experts. Inorder to keep the text brief, the explanation of the basis may not be
given with each standard. There are many, easily and widely available text books on blood
banking and transfusion medicine, explaining such scientific basis which may be used for
reference.
There can be variety of procedures which can meet the standards e.g. for the standard that
male donors should have hemoglobin of at least 13 g/dl before donating blood, there is no
compromise on this minimum limit of hemoglobin, while taking routine donation from a male
donor. The procedure adopted to ascertain the concentration of hemoglobin in the donor,
however, can be chosen from any of following methods:
1. Cu SO4 solution based estimation based on the principle of specific gravity.

2. Photometric based methods like haemocue or other spectrophotometer methods which
test cyanamethemoglobin.
3. Haematocrit based methods.
4. Automatic haematology analyzers using various principles of estimating hemoglobin.
The procedure adopted is left to the discretion of the user. Irrespective of the procedure
adopted, however, the standard has to be met universally.The guidelines on the procedure
details are usually found in many standard textbooks of the specialty along with the
applicable quality control procedures for ensuring satisfactory test performance.
Every effort has been made to take all existing technologies into account. Under some
circumstances, however, the manufacturer‟s directions for the use of a device or the
requirements for its use may be more proscriptive or even in conflict with the requirements
contained in this document. In these cases, the device or material should be used in
accordance with the manufacturer‟s directions.
Since the standards and guidelines have been separated, the paragraphing and numbering
scheme has been adapted to the structure of the document. The prefix „S‟ has been added
to the numbering of „standards‟, whereas the prefix „G‟ has been added to the numbering of
guidelines. The standards are appropriately cross-referenced with the guidelines.
5
PART II
1
1. MANDATORY DOCUMENTATION AND GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS
Section A
Section A states the minimum standards that have to be met by all centres on which these are
applicable, irrespective of the scope and facilities available with them.
S.1.1 Each blood establishmentshall prepare documents pertaining to all operations of the
blood establishment.
S.1.2 The mandatory documents include standard operating procedures (blood collection,
production, TTI screening, grouping, cross-matching, issue protocols), forms (including
donor history and examination form; worksheets used for various blood establishment
procedures. e.g. blood grouping, cross-matching, blood request form, final disposition
form, form for reporting of adverse transfusion reactions), list of blood establishment
staff with qualifications and experience(including phlebotomists – blood collection staff,
serology staff, and a medical doctor as a minimum), photocopies of educational
credentials of the blood establishment staff, and adverse transfusion reaction record,
duty roster of blood establishment staff, and minutes of meeting of Hospital Transfusion
Committee (Hospital Transfusion Committees are only to be established in facilities
where transfusions are taking place). All documents must be in conformance with
standards prescribed by the Authority.The procedures manual must cover all activities
in the establishment. 4
S.1.3 A copy of the procedures manual shall be issued to all staff/sections involved in
session‟s procedures. Measures should be instituted to ensure that procedures are
regularly updated.
S.1.4 The blood establishment in-chargeis responsible for providing templates of all forms
used in blood establishment operations. These should be revised whenever needed,in
consultation with Hospital Transfusion Committees.
S.1.5 Procedures (Standard Operating Procedures) must be written in a manner that all staff
in the establishment are able to understand and implement them.
S.1.6 The service area of a blood establishment must be capacious, neat and clean.
Directional signs should be given for facilitation.
S.1.7 There must be designated areas for each process carried out in the blood
establishment (e.g. donor management;testing of blood and processing of blood;
storage of blood).
S.1.8 A blood establishment must be supervised by an appropriately qualified
haematologist/blood bank specialist/pathologist,or medical doctor (MBBS or equivalent
as recognized by PMDC) trained in blood transfusion services.
4
Cf. guideline G.1
2
S.1.9 Donor selection shall be done by a medical doctor (MBBS or equivalent as recognized
by PMDC).
S.1.10 All areas in a blood establishment shallbe manned by qualified and skilled
staff(laboratory technologists or technicians).
S.1.11 The in-chargeof the blood establishment will take ultimate responsibility for all the
procedures carried out in the establishment.
S.1.12 The blood establishment‟s administrator is responsible for procurement and provision of
the mandatory equipment for all procedures carried out in the blood establishment.
S.1.13 The administrator is also responsible for ensuring that standard operating procedures
covering all aspects are prepared and implemented in the establishment.
S.1.14 Relevant data from each blood establishment, as specified by the Blood Transfusion
Authority, must be provided to the Authority at quarterly intervals. These data include:
(a) Number of blood collections/year
(b) Number and distribution by type of blood components produced/year
(c) Number and distribution by type of transfusion transmissible infections
detected/year
(d) Number and distribution by type of adverse transfusion reactions/year in patients
S.1.15 The following mandatory equipment for each of the processes in a blood establishment
must be available and in working order.
(a) Blood Collection: Mixer/scale for blood collection, tube sealer, tube stripper,
weighing scale, equipment/reagents for Hb testing (copper sulphate,
haematology analyser, haemoglobinometer), red cell transport box with eutatic
plates (if blood collection is being done in camps, away from the blood
establishment).
(b) Blood Testing: Equipment for testing of blood donations for the 5 mandatory
transfusion transmissible infections, water bath/heat blocks, refrigerator (for kits,
antisera storage), serofuge, agglutination viewer, bench top centrifuge.
(c) Blood Storage: blood bank cabinet
S.1.16 Blood establishments shall implement a system for the identification of every single
blood donation, every single blood unit and components thereof, allowing full traceability
to the donor as well as to the transfusion and its recipient.
S.1.17 The waste disposal practices at the blood establishment shall comply with the national
laws, rules, regulations, and standards (available at http://environment.gov.pk/act-
rules/rHWMRules2005.PDF, and other relevant).
S.1.18 Safety disposables and supplies (e.g gloves, bio-hazardous waste disposal containers)
must be available and in use.
S.1.19 A needle stick injury protocol must be available.
3
Section B
Section B comprises guidelines that clarify the intent of standards and include recommendations on how
to implement technical requirements.
G.1 The four tiers of documents and their examples are as follows:
G.1.1 First Tier Documents
G.1.1.1 These include the policy statements for blood establishments. Example: “blood
centre“xyz” will undertake whatever is possible to collect blood while ensuring donor
safety, and issue safe blood and blood components in timely and equitable manner to
all the recipients having a rational, documented requirement of blood.”
G.1.2 Second Tier Documents

G.1.2.1 The second tier documents broadly outline the processes being carried out in blood
centre. A process is a group of procedures, completing one activity. As an example,
some of the „processes‟ carried out in a blood centreare given below. The number of
processes in any particular blood centremay be greater or lesser than what are
enumerated, depending on its capacity, scope and need.
(a) Collection of Blood
(b) Component preparation and storage
(c) Donor testing
(d) Blood transfusion prescription
(e) Serologic testing (grouping, x-match, antibody screening)
(f) Issue of blood
(g) Blood administration and monitoring
(h) Adverse effects of transfusion and workup
(i) Staffing and procurement for blood centre and transfusion services
(j) Audit of transfusion practices by hospital transfusion committee
G.1.3 Third Tier Documents

G.1.3.1 Third tier documents are those that cover the comprehensive operational details to
carry out procedures under each of the processes. The example of the “topics” of
procedures that have to be written in detail are given below. These can also be used as
training material before the induction of new staff in the blood centre.As an example,
the procedure documents (SOPs) that may be required as per scope of the blood
centre for three processes: donor management, collection of donation and transfusion
transmissible infections screening are given below.
(a) Donor Management
4
i. Reception of donor
ii. Haemoglobin screening
iii. Pre-donation counseling
iv. Medical Interview
v. Physical Examination
(b) Collection of Donation
i. Inspection of blood bags and labelling
ii. Preparation of the venepuncture site
iii. Phlebotomy and collection of whole blood donation
iv. Collection of blood components through apharaesis
v. Collection of blood samples
vi. Post donation care/refreshments
vii. Management of adverse reactions
viii. Documentation of adverse reactions
(c) Transfusion Transmissible Infections Screening
i. Reception of blood samples
ii. Testing for HBs Ag
iii. Testing for HCV antibodies
iv. Testing for HIV antibodies
v. Malarial parasite detection
vi. Reporting of results
G.1.4 Fourth Tier Documents

These are the templates of actual forms/slips/chits etc. that are used while carrying out the transfusion
processes.
5
2. SPECIFICATIONS OF DONOR SESSIONS AND SELECTION OF
DONORS
Section A
S.1 GeneralConsiderations
S.1.1 Donor registration
S.1.1.1 All potential donors must be registered with the following information:
(a) full name (correctly spelt)
(b) age
(c) CNIC number. If the CNIC number is not available (e.g. in case of foreigners
and refugees) any other appropriate identification number must be used.
(d) contact details (email address and/or mobile phone number and/or postal
address)
S.1.1.2 A unique donor registration number should be generated for every donor, which will
be unique for the life of the donor.
S.1.1.3 Each donation must be identified with a unique donation number which must appear
on the blood bag and on the secondary sample tubes for laboratory testing.
S.1.2 Pre-donation education and consent of the donor

S.1.2.1 All prospective donors must be provided information,in a suitable language,about the
natureof the donation process, the associated risks involved, the health check and
other relevant medical information.
S.1.2.2 Donors must be made aware that recipients are at risk from transfusion if the donor
has some high-risk behaviour.
S.1.2.3 It must be ensured that donors understand any information (e.g. pre-donation
education material) and questionnaire presented to them.
S.1.2.4 Donor informed consent must be obtained in written form before donation.
S.1.3 Premises
The premises of blood donation sessions should be comfortable, clean, well-lit, airy and spacious.
S.2 Selection of donors

S.2.1 Application of donor selection criteria
S.2.1.1 The criteria for selection of blood donors apply equally tovoluntary donors of whole
blood and to aphresis donors.
6
S.2.1.2 Replacement/directed donations shall be discouraged.
S.2.1.3Donations from paid/professional donors are prohibited by law.
S.2.2 General criteria of donor/donation selection

S.2.2.1 Donors who are drivers, heavy machine operators or aircrew must donate only on a
non-working day.
S.2.2.2 Blood from patients referred for therapeutic venesection must be discarded.
S.2.2.3 The criteria for autologous donations should be decided between the treating clinician
and the medical officer of the blood centrefor each individual patient and be
documented.
S.2.2.4 During dengue epidemics, donors should have complete blood counts before donation.
If the platelet count is low, they should be deferred for 4 weeks.
S.2.3 Medical assessmentof donors
S.2.3.1General Considerations
(a) A medical assessment of each donor must be carried out before donation.
(b) The medical assessment must include the relevant medical history, physical
examination and haemoglobin estimation.
(c) Each blood centre/transfusion service must develop its donor history questionnaire
and use the questionnaire to record findings.
(d) Donor privacy and confidentiality must be ensured during medical assessment.
(e) Only donors who appear healthy and well should be selected for donation.
(f) The person undertaking the medical assessmentmust be trained toutilize accepted
guidelines on the selection of blood donors.
(g) The medical assessment record shall be signed by the doctor in-charge.
S.2.3.2 Medical history
(a) Donor deferral due to medical conditions
(i) Donors having a history of any of the following within the previous one year must be
deferred for another one year:
(a) jaundice
(b) blood transfusion
(c) major surgery
(d) invasive dental treatment
(ii) Donors having a history of/suffering from any of the following must be permanently
deferred:
(a) Hepatitis B
(b) Hepatitis C
7
(c) HIV
(d) Syphilis
(e) Cardiovascular diseases
(f) Central nervous system diseases
(g) Malignancy
(h) Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
(i) Chronic respiratory diseases
(j) Chronic renal diseases
(iii) Pregnant and lactating women should not donate blood, unless there is a neonatal
consideration.
(iv) All donors who are currently undergoing medical investigations or have been
referred for a specialist opinion should be advised not to donate blood until
investigations are complete.
(b) Donorson anti-platelet drugs
If the donor has taken drugs affecting platelet function (e.g. aspirin) within the last 5 days, the
donations should not be used for the preparation of platelets. A list of all such drugs should be
made available to staff at blood collection sessions by the In-charge of the blood centre.
(c) Inoculations and immunizations

The medical officer in-chargeis responsible for assessing the suitability of the donor, in
accordance with the literature given with the vaccine.
(d) Age of donors
(i) The minimum age of donors is 18 years.

(ii) The upper age limit for first time donors is 60. There is no upper age limit for regular
donors.
(e) Donation interval
The minimum interval between donations is 3 months for males and 4 months for females.
S.2.3.3 Weight of donors5
(a) The minimum weight of donors is 50 kg for a standard blood donation.

(b) Necessary blood volume calculation should be made for donors weighing less than
50 kg.
5
Cf. guideline G.1
8
S.2.3.4 Haemoglobin estimation6
The haemoglobin of male donors must be at least 13.0 g/dL, of female donors at least 12.5g/dL.
S.2.4 Selection criteria for apheresis donors

S.2.4.1 For donors between 50 and 60 kg in weight, the extra-corporeal volume (ECV) must be
calculatedand never exceed 15 % of the total blood volume.
S.2.4.2 The minimum pre-donation platelet count must be 150 x 109/Lthe predicted post
procedure platelet count must not be less than 100 x 109/L.
S.2.4.3 For the collection of double units of red cells by apheresis, male andfemale donors
must be greater than 70 kg in weight.
S.2.4.4 The haemoglobin level to donate double units of red cells must be 14.0 g/dL for both
males andfemales.
S.2.4.5 A donor should not undergo a total of more than 24 plasma/plateletpheresis
procedures per annum. There shouldnormally be a minimum of 2 weeks between
plateletpheresis procedures.
S.2.4.6 Not more than 15 litres of plasma should be donated by one donor in a year.
S.2.4.7 Not more than 2.4 litres of plasma should be donated by one donor in any one-month
period.
S.2.4.8 After a whole blood donation, or the loss of an equivalent number of red cells during an
apheresis procedure,a donor should not normally donate plasma or platelets for a
period of four weeks.
S.2.4.9 The inter-donation interval for regular donation of double red cells by aphaeresis
should not be less than (6 months).
S.3 Collection of blood donation

S.3.1 Donor arm preparation procedure must be in place and internationally recommended
disinfectants must be used.7
S.3.2 Blood collection shall be by aseptic techniques using a sterile closed system and a
single venepuncture. The integrity of the system must be checked prior to use and
measures must be taken to prevent unsterile air entering the system
S.3.3 It must be ensured that only intact, in date blood bags without any moisture when
unpacked are used.
S.3.4 The maximum volume of whole blood collected from the donor must not exceed 450
±45 ml (including the blood samples collected for mandatory testing) or 10 % of the
calculated blood volume, whichever is less.
6
Cf. guideline G.2
7
Cf. guideline G.3
9
S.3.5 If a blood volume of less than 300 ml of whole blood is to be collected, it should be
either be done in a paediatric collection bag or the necessary adjustment of
anticoagulant and bag volume should be done.8
S.3.6 A standard equipment and method must be used to monitor the volume of donated
blood which must not exceed that stated on the blood bag.
S.3.7 Appropriate equipment and procedure must be used for mixing blood and
anticoagulant.9
S.3.8 Standard operating procedures and emergency tray with medications for post-donation
care and management of adverse donor reactions must be in place.
S.3.9 It must be ensured that the donor is never left unattended during or immediately after
donation and should be kept under observation throughout the phlebotomy.
S.3.10 The donor samples must be collected by a method that precludes contamination of the
donor unit.
S.3.11 Donor segments prepared from the tube must be completely identifiable and be
traceable to the primary bag.
S.3.12 The tube must be stripped by a stripper before segmentation.
S.4 Storage of blood after collection

S.4.1 Blood must immediately be placed in a blood establishment refrigerator(blood storage
cabinet) if blood components are not to be prepared.
S.4.2 An ordinary refrigerator must NEVER be used for storage of blood.
S.4.3 If blood components are to be prepared by centrifugation, blood could be stored at
ambient temperature for a maximum of 6 hours. The ambient temperature should be
between 20-24oC if platelets are to be prepared.
S.4.4 If there is offsite collection and processing, appropriate cold chain equipment must be
used for transport of blood and blood components.
S.5 Donor session record and labelling

S.5.1 General considerations
S.5.1.1 Labelling should be performed in a quiet area to prevent disruption of the process and
errors caused by distraction.
S.5.2.1 Labelling of donor session record, the primary and secondary collection packs and all
the sample tubes used must be in a waythat avoids the possibility of errors.
S.5.3.1 Ensuring the appropriate labelling of blood bags and sample tubes is the responsibility
of the doctor in-charge of the blood donation session.
8
Cf. guideline G.1
9
Cf. guideline G.4
10
S.5.2 Donation and donor identification
S.5.2.1 The use of a donation number links the donation to its donor. Donation numbers must
be attached to all integral packs, sample tubes and corresponding record documents at
the time of donation.
S.5.2.2 When component production requires the use of subsidiary packs which are not an
integral part of the pack assembly e.g. filtration, freezing, a secure system must be in
place to ensure that the correct donation number is placed on each additional pack
used.
S.5.2.3 To ensure that all constituents of a component pool can be traced, the unique donation
number of each constituent component must appear on the pack containing the
component pool.
S.5.2.4 When a component is divided, a system must be in place to ensure that all sub batches
can be traced.
S.5.2.5 The donation number must also appear on the secondary sample tubes used for
laboratory testing.
S.5.3 Blood bag labels

The labelling of all blood bags (primary and secondary) must include the following:
(a) the unique donation identification number

(b) blood establishment‟s name
(c) name of the blood component
(d) the expiry date
(e) the ABO group
(f) the RhD group stated as positive or negative
(g) the composition and volume of the anticoagulant solution
(h) the temperature of storage
(i) any modification carried out (irradiation, leucocyte depletion, washing, sub
division). Irradiated components‟ label must also include the date of irradiation and
any reduction in shelf life.
S.5.4 Donor session records

S.5.4.1 A record of the session venue, the date, the donation number and the identity of all
donors attending must be maintained.
S.5.4.2 For donors who are deferred, rejected or retired the full details must be recorded and
the reason for the action taken.
S.5.4.3 All donations (successful and unsuccessful) must be recorded. In case of unsuccessful
donations, the reason why they were unsuccessful must also be recorded
S.5.4.4 All adverse reactions must be recorded together with the action taken; full details of
any other incidents, including those involving only staff must be recorded.
11
S.5.4.5 Batch number of the blood packs used should be recorded.
S.5.4.6 All records must be maintained for a period of 5 years.
S.6 Control of purchased material

S.6.1 Blood shall be collected into bags that have been registered by a competent national
authority. Checking of this information is the responsibility of the blood establishment
in-charge.
S.6.2 The blood bag label shall state the kind and amount of anticoagulant, the amount of
blood that can be collected and the required storage temperature.
S.6.3 There should be no leakage from the blood bag, the anticoagulant used should be
colourless and transparent.
S.6.4 Details of any defect (s) must be communicated to the vendor through the blood
establishment administrator.
Section B
G.1 Volume calculation for donors weighing less than 50kg

G.1.1 In order to donate a standard unit (450 ± 45 ml if the blood bag contains 63 ml of
anticoagulant, 500 ± 50 if the amount of anticoagulant is 70ml) the donor must weigh at
least 50 kg. For donors weighing less than 50 kg the following blood volume calculation
is to be made for donation.
Donor’s weight (kg) x 450 ml = volume of blood (ml) to be collected from the donor
50 (kg)
G.1.2 If the volume of blood to be collected is less than 300 ml, the collection should be done
in paediatric blood collection bags or the anticoagulant volume has to be adjusted
according to the following formula:
Donation volume (ml) x 63 (ml) = volume of anticoagulant to be used with the donation
450 (ml)
G.2 Haemoglobin screening

G.2.1 Copper Sulphate haemoglobin screening
Aqueous copper sulphate, coloured blue, with a specific gravity of 1.053, equivalent to 12.5 gd/L
haemoglobin is normally used to test female donors. Copper sulphate, coloured green, with a specific
12
gravity of 1.055, equivalent to 13.5 g/dL is normally used to test male donors. These stock solutions
should be colour-coded and labelled accordingly.
G.2.2 Copper Sulphate storage

G.2.2.1 Stock solutions shall be stored at room temperature in tightly capped, dark glass
containers to prevent evaporation and contamination.
G.2.2.2 Copper sulphate solutions must not be frozen or exposed to high temperatures.
G.2.2.3 The specific gravity of each batch in the stock solution should be checked at least
weekly by designated staff with a calibrated hydrometer. The date, the result and the
name of the individual who carried out the check must be recorded on the bottle.
G.2.3 Copper Sulphate for routine use

G.2.3.1 The solution shall be well mixed before dispensing the required amount of each
solution into appropriately labelled, clean, drytubes or bottles.
G.2.3.2 These solutions shall be changed daily orafter 25 tests, depending on the volume of
solution dispensed, otherwise contamination of the solution will affect the accuracy of
the test.
G.2.3.3 Any usedsolution at the end of a session shall be discarded.
G.2.3.4 The calibrationtemperature of the copper sulphate must be that specified by the
manufacturer to provide the correct specificgravity, e.g. cupric sulphate MAR, (material
conforming to the AnalaR specification) has the correct specificgravity for haemoglobin
estimations at 15.5 °C.
G.2.3.5 If kept chilled, the copper sulphate solutions must be given time towarm to ambient
temperatures prior to use.
G.2.3.6 When dispensed or kept in plastic containers, care must betaken to avoid accumulation
of electrostatic charge, as this can interfere with penetration by blood drops.
G.2.4 Spectrophotometric method for haemoglobin concentration screening

G.2.4.1 If a haemoglobin photometer (or other validated method) is used to provide a
quantitative measurement of haemoglobin at the donor session, standard operating
procedures for the use of the instrument must be available in the session procedures
manual.
G.2.4.2 They should include a technique whereby the performance of the meter is validated by
the regular use of appropriate working standards.
G.2.4.3 In addition, a system of regular and frequent assessment of the equipment
performance, accuracy and precison must be established.
G.3 Disinfectants for venepuncture

The disinfectants used for cleaning the venepuncture site could either be iodoform compound in a
concentration of 0.7% aqueous solution or isopropyl alcohol alone.
13
G.4 Blood donation
G.4.1 The blood and anticoagulant should be mixed gently and periodically (approximately
every 30 seconds) during collection.
G.4.2 Mixing can be achieved by (1) manual inversion of the blood pack every 30 seconds, or
(2) automatically by placing the blood pack on a mechanical agitator or (3) by using a
rocking device.
14
3. BLOOD COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS
Section A
S.1 Definitions
S.1.1 Closed system
A system in which the blood pack assembly is manufactured under clean conditions, sealed to the
external environment and sterilized by an approved method. Apart from the act of blood collection
(when a needle is exposed and enters the donor’s arm) the integrity of this assembly must not be
breached in any way.
S.1.2 Open system

A system which has been opened to the environment but every effort has been made to prevent
microbial contamination by operating in a clean environment, using sterilized materials and aseptic
handling techniques.
S.1.3 Whole blood

A unit of blood collected into an anticoagulant and not further processed.
S.1.4 Red cell concentrate

A component prepared by removing most of the plasma from whole blood after centrifugation.
S.1.5 Platelet-rich plasma

A component prepared from whole blood within 6 to 8 hours of venepuncture, containing platelets as
the major cellular product.
S.1.6 Platelet concentrate

A component prepared by additional centrifugation and removal of most of the supernatant plasma
from platelet-rich plasma.
S.1.7 Fresh frozen plasma

Fresh frozen plasma is plasma that has been obtained from whole blood and frozen (within 8 hours of
venepuncture) to a temperature that will maintain the activity of labile coagulation factors.
S.1.8 Cryoprecipitate
Cryoprecipitate is the cold insoluble protein that precipitates when FFP is thawed to 1-6oC. It contains
FVIII, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, Factor XIII and fibronectin from a unit of fresh frozen plasma.
15
S.1.9 Cryosupernatant plasma
The supernatant plasma removed during the preparation of cryoprecipitate.
S.1.10 Red cells, washed

The red cell concentrate is washed with 0.9 % w/v sodium chloride to remove most of the plasma,
leucocytes and platelets.
S.1.11 Red cells for exchange transfusion

A component for exchange transfusion of neonates prepared by removing a proportion of the plasma
from fresh whole blood.
S.1.12 Components for neonatal use

Blood components meeting all the specifications outlined in this chapter but prepared by dividing the
standard components into aliquots using a closed system.
S.1.13 Leucocyte depleted components

Cellular components containing less than 5 x 106leucocytes. Leucocyte depletion procedures shall not
reduce red cell volume by more than 15%.In case of leucocyte depleted platelets, the volume of
suspending medium must be sufficient to maintain the pH of the component throughout its shelf life.
S.1.14 Irradiated components

Cellular blood components irradiated by a standard method (X-Rays, Gamma-Rays) and dose to make
the lymphocytes non-viable.
S.1.15 Calibration
Comparison of measurements performed by an instrument to those made by an accurate instrument (or
standard) for the purpose of detecting, reporting and eliminating errors in measurement.
S.1.16 Process control

Activities intended to minimize variation within a process in order to produce a predictable output
which meets specification.
S.1.17 Specification
Description of a set of requirements to be satisfied by a product, material or process including, if
appropriate, the procedures to be used to determine whether the requirements are satisfied.
Specifications are often in the form of written descriptions and drawings.
S.1.18 Ambient temperature

Ambient temperature is the temperature of the surrounding environment.
16
S.2 General specifications
S.2.1 Each component shall be visually inspected at each stage of processing and
immediately prior to issue. The component must be withdrawn if there is leakage,
damage to or fault in the container, excessive air, and suspicion of microbial or other
colour change.
S.2.2 There must be a documented system available in each Blood
Establishment/Transfusion Centre for the recall of any component(s) causing adverse
effects and all other components linked with that component(s). Any recall of
component(s) should lead to a thorough investigation to prevent recurrence.
S.3 Preparation of blood components

S.3.1 Detailed SOPs must be made available by the blood establishment in-charge to the
component preparation section covering equipment operations, precautions and
protocols of component preparation as per manufacturer‟s instructions and institutional
policies.
S.3.2 All necessary equipment for component preparation should be regularly calibrated (e.g.
table top centrifuges, refrigerated centrifuges) and its record maintained.10
S.3.3 The time limit for processing each component must be observed.
S.3.4 All units of blood collected and processed must be immediately placed in quarantine in
a designated area until donor records have been reviewed and all laboratory testing
has been complete.
S.3.5 Secure and exclusive quarantine storage should be available for known bio-hazardous
material awaiting disposal.
S.3.6 Procedures should ensure that untested components are not quarantined with
components which have produced reactive results in mandatory microbiological
screening tests.
S.4 Mandatory statements at the time of issue

The following statements must appear on the blood bag label under the title „CAUTION‟
at the time of issue:11
(a) Always check patient/component compatibility
(b) Do not use if there are signs of deterioration or damage
(c) Use a standard transfusion set
(d) Risk of adverse reaction/infection
10
Cf. guideline G.1
11
Cf. chapter 2, S.5, for additional details of labelling
17
S.5 Storage of blood components
S.5.1 All components must be stored within their recommended temperature for the stated
shelf-life.12
S.5.2 After the component is taken out of its storage conditions (for transfusion), it must be
transfused within the time limit set for that product.
S.5.3 Blood components prepared by an open system should be used as soon as possible. If
storage is unavoidable, components with a recommended storage temperature of 22°C
± 2°C must be used within 6 hours. Components with a recommended storage
temperature of 4°C ± 2°C are to be used within 24 hours.Components are rendered
unsuitable for clinical use when breached and the requirements defined for an open
system have not been observed.
S.5.4 When components are pooled, the maximum shelf life of the pool must not exceed the
expiry date of the oldest constituent component.
S.5.5 Storage areas for blood and blood components must operate within a specified
temperature range and should provide adequate space, suitable lighting and be
arranged and equipped to allow dry, clean and orderly storage.
S.5.6 A current inventory must be maintained of components in each storage category.
S.5.7 A permanent, continuous record of storage temperature must be made and stored, and
there must be documentation of verification of temperature storage equipment probes.
S.5.8 Alternative power supply (e.g. standby generators) and voltage stabilizers or regulators
must be available for the blood establishment equipment required to maintain the cold
chain (e.g. refrigerators, freezers, platelet incubators).
S.5.9 Backup cold chain equipment must also be available for use in case of equipment
failure.
S.5.10 There must be a system of unit verification before bringing units into inventory from
quarantine.
S.6 Transport of blood components

S.6.1 Whole blood & red cell concentrates
For Whole Blood/Red Cells the air temperature of transport containers for units must be maintained
between 2°C and 10°C. Transport time should not exceed 12 hoursand if open processing has been used
should be as short as possible. When the transport time exceeds 12 hours, appropriate battery charged
transport containers must be used.
S.6.2 Platelets
Containers for transporting platelets must be equilibrated at room temperature before use. During
transportation the temperature of platelets must be kept as close as possible to the recommended
storage temperature of 22°C ± 2°C with continuous gentle agitation.
12
Cf. guideline G.2
18
S.6.3 Fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate & cryosupernatant
For FFP, cryoprecipitate and cryosupernatant every effort must be made to maintain the core storage
temperature during transportation.
S.7 Quality control of blood components

S.7.1.1 The sampling procedures forquality control must be carried out by trained
personnel.The sampling procedure should ensure sterility of the components. It should
also ensure that the properties of the component are not adversely affected.
S.7.1.2 A procedure must be in place to link the infectious disease screening results with each
donation and all components prepared from the individual donation.
S.7.1.3 All components released to stock must be non-reactive for viral serology and
transfusion transmissible infection screening tests. The components reactive for any
one or more of these tests must be discarded in accordance with the national
guidelines on safe disposal of biohazardous material.
S.7.2 Quality control

S.7.2.1 The frequency of quality control tests is 1% of the annual production of each
component.
S.7.2.2 A minimum of 75% of the results of component monitoring (quality control) tests should
achieve the specification.
S.7.2.3 For leucocyte depleted components, leucocyte counts are to be performed on all
components. All leucocyte depleted components must meet the specified leucocyte
count (<5 x 106/unit).
S.7.2.4 The quality control tests to be performed include the following:
Component Volume13 Specifications

Whole blood 450ml ± 45 ml(excluding Haemolysis <0.8 % of red cells
the anticoagulant volume) Haemoglobin content of >40 g/unit
Red cell concentrate 280 ml ± 50 ml Haematocrit 0.65-0.75
Haemolysis < 0.8% of red cells
For washed red cells protein content
should be <0.5g/unit
Platelet concentrate 40-50 ml Platelets 55 x 109/unit concentrate

(random donor) pH >6.2 at end of shelf life
Single donor platelets 200 ml-300ml Platelet 300x109/unit
or apheresis platelets Leukocytes <0.3x109/unit14
13
Cf. guideline G.3
14
Cf. guideline G.4
19
Fresh frozen plasma 125 ml ± 225 ml Total proteins >50g/L
Platelets <30x109/L (pre-freeze)
Red cells < 6x109/unit leukocytes
Factor VIII 0.7 IU/ml or 70 IU/100 ml
Cryoprecipitate 20-30 ml Factor VIII >70 IU/ unit
Fibrinogen >140 mg/dl
S.7.2.1 A procedure for statistical process control must be followed by the facility and records
of the same must be available for inspection.15
S.7.2.2 Unacceptable quality control results must be investigated and corrective action must be
implemented before repeating the procedure.
S.8 Discard of Non-Conforming Components

S.8.1 Components from donations that are reactive in mandatory microbiological screening
tests are classified as bio-hazardous and must be appropriately discarded in
compliance with national guidelines on disposal of bio-hazardous material.
S.8.2 Appropriate record of discard (bio-hazardous or otherwise non-conforming) must be
maintained and include the following:
(a) the donation number
(b) the component identity
(c) the reason for discard
(d) the date of discard
(e) the identity of the person discarding the component
S.8.3 Secure and effective procedures must be in place to ensure that all components and
samples from biohazard donations are retrieved and inactivated before their disposal.
S.9 Component Release

S.9.1 Standard procedures must ensure that blood and blood components cannot be
released to stock until all the required laboratory tests, mandatory and additional, have
been completed, documented and approved by a designated person in the blood
establishment.
S.9.2 Documentation of satisfactory production and storage conditions must be ensured
before release of components.
15
Cf. guideline G.5
20
Section B
G.1 Refrigerated centrifuge calibration

G.1.1 Principle
Successful preparation of platelet concentrates requires adequate but not excessive centrifugation. The
equipment used must perform in a consistent and dependable manner. Each centrifuge used to prepare
platelets should be calibrated upon receipt and after adjustment or repair.
G.1.2 Calibration procedure for thepreparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

G.1.2.1 Perform a platelet count on the pre-donation sample in EDTA. If the platelet count is
below 150,000/μL, this donors blood should not be used for calibration
G.1.2.2 Calculate the number of platelets in the unit of whole blood i.e. platelets/μL×1000×mL
of whole blood= number of platelets in whole blood.
G.1.2.3 Prepare platelet-rich plasma (PRP) at a selected speed and time. Place a temporary
clamp on the tubing so that one satellite bag is closed off; express the PRP into the
other satellite bag. Seal the tubing close to the primary bag and disconnect the two
satellite bags. Do not remove the temporary clamp between the satellite bags until the
next step.
G.1.2.4 Strip the tubing several times so that the tubing contains a representative sample of
PRP.
G.1.2.5 Seal off a segment of the tubing and disconnect it, so that the bag of PRP remains
sterile. Leave the PRP on bench for at least 01 hours before counting.
G.1.2.6 Perform a platelet count on the sample of PRP in the segment. Calculate the number of
platelets in the bag of PRP i.e. platelets/μL×1000×mL of PRP = number of platelets in
PRP. Calculate percent yield (% yield) as in following equation:
Percent Yield = Number of platelets in PRP

X 100
Number of platelets in whole blood
G.1.2.7 Repeat the above process three or four times with different donors, using different
speeds and times of centrifugation, and compare the yields achieved under each set of
test conditions. Select the shortest time and lowest speed that result in the highest
percent of platelet yield but levels of red cell content should be very low.
G.1.3 Calibration procedure for the preparation of platelet concentrate (PC)

G.1.3.1 Centrifuge the PRP at a selected time and speed to prepare platelet concentrate (PC).
21
G.1.3.2 Express the platelet-poor plasma into the second attached satellite bag and seal the
tubing, leaving a long section of tubing attached to the platelet bag.
G.1.3.3 Place the platelets on bench (not agitator) and leave them for at least 1 hour to ensure
that they are evenly resuspended. Platelet counts performed immediately after
centrifugation will not be accurate.
G.1.3.4 Strip the tubing several times, mixing its contents well with the contents of the platelet
bag. Let the concentrate flow back into the tubing. Seal off a segment of the tubing so
that the platelet bag remains sterile.Perform a platelet count on the contents of the
segment.
G.1.3.5 Calculate the number of platelets in the concentrate: platelets/uL x1000xmL of PC=
number of platelets in platelet concentrate
G.1.3.6 Calculate percent yield (% yield) with following formula:
Number of platelets in PC
Percent Yield = _________________________ x 100
Number of platelets in PRP
G.1.3.7 Repeat steps G.1.3.1 though G.1.3.6 on PRP from different donors, using different
speeds and times of centrifugation as shown in table 1 and compare the yields
achieved under each set of test conditions.Select the shortest time and lowest speed
that results in the highest percent of platelet yield in the platelet concentrate. The aim is
to meet the QC criteria of having >55x 109 platelets/bag of random donor.
G.1.3.8 It is not necessary to recalibrate a centrifuge unless the instrument has undergone
adjustment or repairs, or levels of platelet recovery fall below acceptable levels.
G.2 Storage of blood and blood components

G.2.1 Whole blood & red cell concentrates
Storage for a maximum of 35 days at a core temperature of 4° C ± 2° C must not be exceeded if the
anticoagulant used is CPD-A1.
G.2.2 Platelets
G.2.2.1 Whole blood must not be refrigerated before preparation of the platelet component.
G.2.2.2 The ambient temperature of the room for preparing platelets should be 22°C ± 2°C.
G.2.2.3 Platelet-rich plasma must be separated from whole blood by centrifugation within 8
hours of venepuncture in case of CPD-A1 anticoagulant.
G.2.2.4 In a closed system, the maximum storage time for platelets is 5 days at a core
temperature of 22°C ± 2°C.
G.2.2.5 Gentle agitation must be maintained throughout the storage period in appropriate
equipment.
22
G.2.3 Fresh frozen plasma
G.2.3.1 The plasma must be placed under appropriate storage conditions within 8 hours of
venepuncture.
G.2.3.2 Fresh frozen plasma should be stored at a core temperature of -18°C or below for a
maximum of 12 months.
G.2.3.3 Once thawed, fresh frozen plasma must not be refrozen and should be used
immediately. If the delay in transfusion is unavoidable, the component could be stored
at ambient temperature, in which case it must be used within 30 minutes.
G.2.3.4 After thawing, fresh frozen plasma can be stored at 4 ± 2oC for a maximum of 24 hours.
In this case, however, it should not be used for replacing factor VIII deficiency.
G.2.4 Cryoprecipitate
G.2.4.1 Cryoprecipitate is obtained by thawing a single donation of fresh frozen plasma at 4°C
± 2°C.
G.2.4.2 After preparation cyroprecipitate should be used immediately or rapidly frozen (within 2
hours of preparation) to a core temperature of -18°C or below. The maximum storage
time at this temperature is 12 months.
G.2.4.3 Once thawed, cryoprecipitate must not be refrozen and should be used immediately. If
the delay in transfusion is unavoidable, the component could be stored at ambient
temperature, in which case it must be used within 30 minutes.
G.2.4.4 G.2.4.4After thawing, cryoprecipitate can be stored at 4 ± 2oC for a maximum of 4
hours.
G.2.5 Cryosupernatant
G.2.5.1 Cryosupernatant should be frozen to a core temperature of -18°C or below within 2
hours of separation from its cryoprecipitate. The maximum storage time at this
temperature is 12 months.
G.2.5.2 Once thawed, cryosupernatant must not be refrozen and should be used immediately.
If delay is unavoidable, the component should be stored at ambient temperature and
used within 30 minutes.
G.2.6 Irradiated components

G.2.6.1 Except for use in IUT or exchange transfusion, red cell can be irradiated at any time up
to 14 days after collection and be stored for up to 14 days after irradiation.
G.2.6.2 Red cells for use in IUT or exchange transfusion must be transfused within 24 hours of
irradiation and should be less than 5 days old.
G.2.6.3 Platelets can be irradiated at any stage in their 5 day storage.Irradiated platelets can
be stored up to their normal shelf life of 5 days after collection.
23
G.3 Calculation of blood component volume
Volume is generally calculated by dividing the component weight by its specific gravity. The following
conventions should apply for calculating volume:
G.3.1 When whole blood is issued as a component, the volume given on the component label
should include whole blood and anticoagulant.
G.3.2 For red cell components, volume is calculated by weighing the pack, deducting the
weight of the pack assembly only and dividing the resultant weight by the nominal
specific gravity 1.06. The weight of anticoagulant is not deducted when calculating the
volume of red cell components.
G.3.3 For platelets and plasma components, volume is calculated by weighing the pack,
deducting the weight of the pack assembly and dividing the resulting weight by the
nominal specific gravity of 1.03.
G.4 Measurement of supernatant haemolysis

The supernatant haemolysis in plasma or platelet components can be measured by any one of the
following methods: (1) Drabkin’s method (2) Spectrophotometric method (3) Microplate method.
G.5 Measurement of total leucocyte count

The residual white-cell content of leukocyte- reduced (LR) whole blood and components can be
determined using a large-volume hemocytometer. For red-cell-containing components, the red cells in
the aliquot to be counted are first lysed. 0.01% Turk’s solution is used to stain the leukocyte nuclei. The
Nageotte counting chamber has a volume 56 times that of the standard hemocytometer. Accuracy of
counting is improved by examin- ing a larger volume of minimally diluted spec- imen, compared with
standard counting techniques.
24
4. TESTING OF BLOOD DONATIONS
Section A
S.1 Mandatory Testing of Blood Donations

S.1.1 Blood donations/donor screening for the following transfusion transmissible infections
is mandatory:
(a) HBs Ag
(b) Anti-HCV
(c) Anti-HIV 1 & 2
(d) Syphilis (screening for syphilis must be by an antigen-based assay)
(e) Malaria
S.1.2 The mandatory red cell serological testing of blood donations includes ABO and RhD
blood grouping, and cross-matching.
S.2 Screening for transfusion transmissible infections

S.2.1.1 All blood establishments/transfusion services must strive to perform blood
donations/donor screening with the most sensitive and specific reagents and methods
available.
S.2.1.2 Screening by rapid (kit) methods should only be used when testing by more sensitive
and specific methods is not feasible.
S.2.1.3 All donor samples testing reactive in the initial testing should be repeated on another
sample obtained from the blood bag.
S.2.1.4 All cases in which the repeat sample is reactive should be informed about the result in
a confidential manner and referred to a diagnostic laboratory for confirmation.
S.2.2 Blood donations/donor screening kits prequalification and evaluation
S.2.2.1 Responsibility
(a) The prequalification and evaluation procedure applies to the central purchasing
authority (including personnel in the private facilities responsible for
purchasing)/health authority.
(b) The purchaser of the screening kits will ensure that a procedure is in place for the
qualification of vendors, distributors, suppliers and importers of blood donor
screening kits.
25
(c) The purchaser will also be responsible for carrying out the procedure for evaluating
the kit performance through a panel of professionals (including at least two
pathologists, one of whom must be a virologist/microbiologist).
(d) The test evaluation protocol must be prewritten by the panel of professionals and
vetted by the Health Secretary.
(e) The quality control procedures of the TTI screening tests will be carried out by the
blood centre/transfusion service.
S.2.2.2 Essential elements of the pre-qualification procedure of TTI screening kits
(a) Ensuring that the kits selected are the ones specifiedby the manufacturer for use in
the blood centre as donor screening kits. The kits for general diagnostic testing of
HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV and Syphilis must not be used in the blood centre.
(b) Ensuring that the kits are registered with well-known, reputable regulatory
authorities like FDA, Pasteur Institute, Paul Erlich and International Consortium for
Blood Safety and purchasing only the kits registered with these authorities.
(c) Ensuring that the sensitivity and specificity of kits along with the methods used for
evaluating the sensitivity and specificity are documented on the kits. It is
recommended that the minimum evaluated sensitivity and specificity levels of all
assays used for blood screening should be as high as possible and preferably not
less than 99.5%.. The procedure for evaluating the sensitivity and specificity must
be a standard one (standard procedure by WHO).
(d) Obtaining and keeping in record the contact details of the manufacturer(s) of the
kits.
(e) Ensuring that the distribution rights of the vendor are certified. The information
about such certification must be communicated directly from the principal to the
purchaser.
(f) Obtaining details about the infrastructure of the distributor in the country regarding
storage, transportation and evaluation of the kits as per standards. These details
must conform to the standards.
S.2.2.3 Evaluation of TTI screening kits/methods
(a) The kit performance protocol will include the following essential elements:
(i) The standard procedure as recommended by WHO.
(ii) The products that will be used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity e.g
sensitivity panel, performance panel etc. These are available from NIBSC UK
and commercial vendors.
(iii) The equipment that will be used for evaluation.
(iv) The fitness criteria for each methodology. The criteria will not be at variance
with the WHO or International Consortium of Blood Centres criteria.
26
(b) The purchaser will obtain the kits performance reports from the expert panel and
may purchase the lowest priced kits/reagents which meet the performance criteria.
(c) The list of kits/reagents not meeting the fitness criteria will be maintained and
made public by the purchaser for future reference and for the benefit of the public
at large.
S.2.3 Quality control of blood donations/donor screening for transfusion

transmissible infections
(a) Screening must be done with reagents/kits whose performance has been approved
by the relevant purchasing authority.
(b) All efforts must be made to procure third party controls (e.g Biorad) for viral
screening tests, to be run with each batch in order to determine the performance of
the test being done.
(c) All efforts must be made to participate in external quality assurance programmes
for blood donor screening tests.
(d) Batch testing is to be done in case of ELISA testing.
(e) The quality control procedures like maintaining LJ charts should be in place for
ELISA testing.
S.3 ABO and RhD blood grouping16

S.3.1.1 The ABO and RhD blood group must be determined on each blood donation at least
twice.
S.3.1.2 ABO blood group must be determined at least once by both the forward and reverse
blood grouping.
S.3.1.3 With the monoclonal reagents currently in use, testing for weak D (Du) by the indirect
antiglobulin test is not necessary. Testing for weak D (Du) is, however, essential for
donors case of a blood group discrepancy. When in doubt, the blood group should be
considered as RhD positive in donors.
S.3.1.4 The reagent used for RhD testing of donors must detect DIV.
S.3.1.5 Standard operating procedures for ABO and RhD blood grouping must be made
available by the blood centre in-charge to the staff performing the procedure. The
standard operating procedure must be in accordance with acceptable international
guidelines for ABO and RhD grouping (e.g AABB guidelines).The standard operating
procedure must also include the appropriate use of controls.
S.3.1.6 The primary blood bag and all the secondary blood bags must be clearly and legibly
labelled with the ABO and RhD blood group.
16
Cf. guidelines G.1 and G.2
27
S.3.2 ABO and RhD blood grouping reagents’ prequalification and evaluation
S.3.2.1 Responsibility
(a) The purchaser of the reagents will ensure that a procedure is in place for the
qualification of vendors, distributors, suppliers and importers of blood donor
screening kits.
(b) The prequalification and evaluation procedure applies to the central purchasing
authority (including personnel in the private facilities responsible for
purchasing)/health authority.
(c) The procedures for evaluating the reagents performance will also be carried out by
the purchaser through a panel of professionals (including at least two pathologists,
one of whom must be a haematologist).
(d) The reagent evaluation protocol must be prewritten by the panel of professionals
and vetted by the Health Secretary.
S.3.2.2 Essential elements of the pre-qualification procedure of ABO and RhD blood
grouping reagents
(a) Ensuring that the reagents are registered with well-known, reputable regulatory
authorities like FDA, Pasteur Institute, Paul Erlich and International Consortium of
Blood Centres and purchasing only the kits registered with these authorities.
(b) Ensuring that the potency and avidity of the reagents along with the methods used
for evaluating the potency and avidity are documented. The potency and avidity of
the reagents must be as recommended by WHO. The procedure for evaluating the
potency and avidity must be a standard one. WHO documents, WHO/BS/06.2053
and WHO/BS/04.2000, provide the relevant details.
(c) Obtaining and keeping in record the contact details of the manufacturer(s) of the
reagents.
(d) Ensuring that the distribution rights of the vendor are certified. The information
about such certification must be communicated directly from the principal to the
purchaser.
(e) Obtaining details about the infrastructure of the distributor in the country regarding
storage, transportation and evaluation of the reagents as per standards. These
details must conform to the standards.
S.3.2.3 Evaluation of ABO and RhD blood grouping reagents
(a) The reagents‟ performance protocol will include the following essential elements:
(i) The standard procedure as recommended by WHO.
(ii) The products that will be used to evaluate the potency and avidity.
(iii) The equipment that will be used for evaluation.
28
(iv) The fitness criteria for each methodology. The criteria will not be at variance with the
WHO criteria.
(b) The purchaser will obtain the reagents performance reports from the expert panel and may
purchase the lowest priced reagents which meet the performance criteria.
(c) The list of reagents not meeting the fitness criteria will be maintained and made public by
the purchaser for future reference and for the benefit of the public at large.
S.3.3 Quality control of ABO blood grouping by the blood centre

Daily quality control must include:
(a) Obtaining appropriate reactions with A, B and O cells for reagent anti-sera (anti-A
and anti-B);
(b) Obtaining unequivocal, appropriate reactions with anti-A and anti-B for reagent red
cell samples.
S.4 Cross-matching
Cross-matching must be done by the standard method which includes three phases: saline, albumin, and
coomb’s.
29
Section B
G.1 General guidelines for serological tests

G.1.1 Test tubes
For manual tube tests, unless otherwise stated 10-12mm (diameter) x 75mm glass tubes should be used.
G.1.2 Optimum centrifugation

G.1.2.1 Various RCF and times satisfactory for spin-tube tests are as follows:
RCF (g) 110 200-220 500 1000

Time (s) 60 25-30 15 8-10
G.1.2.2 The following formula is used for the conversion of RPM (revolutions per minute) of
centrifuges into the G-force (centrifugal force):
RCF or G-force= 1.12 x R (mm) x (RPM/1000)²
G.1.3 Grading system of agglutination for manual tube tests.

G.1.3.1 The following table gives the grading system for manual tube serological testing. If a
cumulative (titration) score is required to assess the characteristics of a blood grouping
reagent in a titration, then the score as indicated should be used.
Grade Description Score
5 Cell button remains in one clump or dislodges into a few large clumps, 12
macroscopically visible.
4 Cell button dislodges into numerous large clumps, macroscopically visible. 10
3 Cell button dislodges into many small clumps, macroscopically visible. 8
2 Cell button dislodges into finely granular but definite, small clumps, 5
macroscopically visible.
1 Cell button dislodges into fine granules, microscopically visible. 3
0 Negative result 0
G.1.3.2 Unless otherwise stated, an unequivocal tube manual reaction is defined as a grade 3
or greater.
30
G.1.4 Reading serological tests
G.1.4.1 Haemolysis
Haemolysis should be determined by the visual detection of haemoglobin in the supernatant fluid.
G.1.4.2 Agglutination
(a) A „Shake‟ reading technique should not be used. Its over-vigorous action disrupts
agglutination and is responsible for false negative tests in blood group serology.
(b) Any of the following reading techniques may be used:
(i) Pipette transfer of cell button to microscope slides. The tube is not agitated at any stage.
The transfer pipette is clean and has a 1.5-2.0 mm internal diameter bore and the tip is
free from any irregularities. The cell button is drawn, by the minimum suction possible,
into the stem of the clean pipette, then gently ejected onto a slide and simultaneously
drawn out over an area of some 2cm2 • The angle of the pipette above the horizontal
controls the width of the spread. The test is observed macroscopically and
microscopically if required.
(ii) Tip and roll. The tube is held almost horizontally (70-80° to the vertical) between the
thumb and the first two fingers and slowly rotated without any shaking or agitation, until
the cell button is dislodged from the tube. The free cell button /agglutinates are only
allowed to move a maxim of 1cm down the tube. The test is read macroscopically with
the tube held horizontally over an illuminated light source. A x5 or x6 magnifying mirror,
or a x6 hand lens can be used. Reading can then be obtained by examination of the tube
placed horizontally on the stage of an inverted microscope.
(iii) Gentle agitation. The tube is held almost vertically between the thumb and first two
fingers and gently agitated using a trembling or vibrating movement. The test is read as
described above.
G.1.4.3 Reading of slide tests
(a) The reagents are mixed thoroughly by rocking the slide for approximately 30
seconds with occasional further mixing during the incubation period.
(b) The test is observed macroscopically, and if required microscopically, for
agglutination. This may be facilitated by reading over diffuse light resource.
G.2 ABO and RhD blood grouping

G.2.1 Red cells should be tested against monoclonal anti-A and anti-B blood grouping
reagents.
G.2.2 Plasma or serum should be tested against group A and B reagent cells. The reverse
group should include a negative control, e.g the person‟s own red cells or group O
31
cells, to exclude reactions with A and B cells due to cold antibodies in the patient‟s
sample other than anti-A or anti-B.
G.2.3 Each sample must be tested in duplicate with IgM monoclonal anti-D blood grouping
reagents.
G.2.4 Documentation errors may occur during the manual reading and interpretation of ABO
and RhD groups. The risk of error can be minimized by:
G.2.4.1 separating the procedure into distinct tasks and using different members of
staff to perform each task.
G.2.4.2 separating the documentation of reaction patters from the final interpretation.
G.2.4.3 separating the interpretation and documentation of the forward and reverse
ABO blood groups.
G.2.5 The ABO and RhD group must, wherever possible, be verified against previous results
(if available). Any discrepancies must be resolved prior to transfusion of whole blood,
red cells and red cell contaminated components.
G.2.6 ABO and RhD groups must be repeated when a discrepancy is found. Repeats should
be performed using washed cells. To prevent the perpetuation of mistakes, the cells
should be taken from the original sample, rather than from a suspension made
previously. An autocontrol should be included.
G.2.7 Repeatably anomalous results may require a fresh sample or referring to a reference
laboratory.
32
5. PRE-TRANSFUSION TESTING
Section A
S.1 ABO and RhD blood grouping of recipients17

S.1.1 ABO and RhD grouping must be performed on every recipient. The only exceptional
circumstances sometimes arise in case of emergency pre-transfusiontesting which are
dealt in section S.4.
S.1.2 Both forward and reverse grouping must be done on the recipient sample (except in
case of infants less than 6 months of age when only forward ABO blood grouping is
done).
S.1.3 The indirect antiglobulin test must not be used to detect weak D in recipients. When in
doubt, the sample should be considered as RhD negative.
S.1.4 The reagent for RhD testing of recipients must not detect DIV.
S.1.5 Standard operating procedures for ABO and RhD blood grouping must be made
available by the blood centre in-charge to the staff performing the procedure. The
standard operating procedure must be in accordance with acceptable international
guidelines for ABO and RhD grouping (e.g AABB guidelines).The standard operating
procedure must also include the appropriate use of controls.
S.2 Selection of blood for recipients

S.2.1 Whole blood and red cell components of the same ABO and RhD group as the patient
must be selected for transfusions. The only exceptional circumstances sometimes arise
in case of emergency issue of blood which are dealt in section S.4.
S.2.2 Platelet concentrates from donors of the identical ABO group as the patient are the
components of choice and should be used as far as is possible.Administration of ABO
non-identical platelets is acceptable transfusion practice in particular, when platelet
concentrates are in short supply. Group O platelets should, however, be transfused to
group O patients only. RhD-negative platelet concentrates should be given, where
possible, to RhD-negative patients, particularly to women of reproductive age group.
S.2.3 Group O FFP must only be given to group O recipients. AB plasma, suitable for
patients of any ABO group, is often in short supply. The principles of selection of FFP
according to donor and recipient ABO blood group are given below.
17
Cf. chapter 4, section S.3.2 for prequalification and evaluation of blood grouping reagents.
Cf. chapter 4, section S.3.3 for quality control of ABO and RhD blood grouping reagents.
Cf. chapter 4, guidelines G.1 & G.2 for guidelines on ABO and RhD blood grouping.
33
Recipient Group O A B AB
1st choice O A B AB
2nd choice A AB AB A
3rd choice B B A B
4th choice AB - - -
The RhD status of FFP or cryoprecipitate is unimportant, and RhD positive FFP can be given safely to RhD
negative recipients – even women of child bearing age.
S.3 Cross-matching18
S.3.1 Cross-matching of the patient‟s serum against donor red cellsmust be performed by the
indirect antiglobulin method to confirm donor-recipient. The only exceptional
circumstances arise in case of emergency issue of blood which aredealt in section S.4.
S.3.2 A standard operating procedure for cross-matching by the indirect antiglobulin method
must be prepared by the blood centre in-charge and made available to the staff
performing the procedure.
S.3.3 A suitable polyspecific AHG reagent should contain a potent anti-IgG and an adequate
anti-complement reagent, or a satisfactory monoclonal anti-C3d that gives equivalent
sensitivity.
S.3.4 The reagent must not give false positive reactions in tests with fresh serum incubated
with red cells from the segment lines of CPD-A1 donor packs 10-28 days old.
S.3.5 It must be remembered that in addition to agglutination, haemolysis is also a sign of
incompatibility.
S.4 Antibody screening

S.4.1 Antibody screen of the recipient, or mother in the case of neonatal transfusion, is
strongly recommended in every recipient.
S.4.2 In the event of a positive antibody screen, antibody identification should follow.
S.4.3 The patient‟s serum should be tested against at least two red cell suspensions, used
separately and not pooled.
18
Cf. guideline G.1
34
S.5 Emergency issue of blood
S.5.1 A written request for emergency issue of blood must be made by the treating physician.
S.5.2 An EDTA and a clotted sample should be obtained from the patient before the
administration of intravenous colloids, such as Dextran and HES.
S.5.3 If it is not possible to obtain the minimum patient identification specified in section S.6
from trauma or unconscious accident and emergency patients, there must be at least
one unique identifier, usually the hospital registration number, and the sex of the
patient. The sample should be taken and labelled and the form and sample signed by
the prescribing medical doctor as one continuous procedure.
S.5.4 If blood is urgently required by the recipient, ABO and RhD blood grouping may be
performed by rapid techniques. Under these circumstances, cross-matching may also
be reduced to a rapid 2-5 min cross-match to exclude ABO incompatibility.If this
procedure is followed, it should seldom be necessary to resort to group O RhD
negative blood.
S.5.5 In a life-threatening situation, group O blood must be issued until ABO blood grouping
has been done on a suitably labelled sample. If the patient is a premenopausal female,
group O, RhD-negative blood should be given.
S.5.6 If ABO and RhD identical blood group in not available, a different blood group red cell
component may be issued only under the following circumstances:
S.5.6.1 Group O red cell component may be issued to all recipients, provided it is
plasma depleted.
S.5.6.2 Group AB red cell component should be used for AB patients but if it is not
available, group A or B blood may be used provided it is plasma depleted.
S.5.6.3 When supplies of RhD-negative blood are limited, RhD-positive blood may be
selected for RhD-negative recipients. It is important that RhD-positive cellular
components are not issued to RhD-negative pre-menopausal females.
S.5.7 In the massive transfusion situation, where the number of units transfused in any 24
hour period exceeds the recipient‟s blood volume, compatibility testing may be reduced
to checking the ABO/RhD groups of the transfused units.
S.5.8 After the emergency has been dealt with, retrospective cross-matching should be
undertaken with the pre-transfusion sample.
S.5.9 Donor units that have not been tested, or not fully tested, against the patient‟s serum
should be clearly labelled, e.g. „Selected for patient …, but not cross-matched‟.
S.6 Samples and documentation

S.6.1 Transfusions must be prescribed by a medical doctor.
S.6.2 The request form must include the final disposition form which is sent with the blood
bag to the ward (and includes the baseline pulse, temperature, blood pressure, etc. of
the patient along with the identification details). The request form and the sample must
35
contain the following minimum patient identification. Emergency samples and
documentation are dealt in section S.4:
(c) Full name (correctly spelt first name(s) and surname)
(d) Hospital registration number
(e) Plus at least one of the following unique identifiers:
(i) Date of birth (not age or year of birth)
(ii) CNIC number or, in case of foreigners and refugees, any other unique
identification number
S.6.3 The sample must be labelled and signed by the person taking it.
S.6.4 A standard operating procedure should be in place for dealing with inadequately
labelled samples.
S.6.5 Immediately on receipt, laboratory staff must confirm that the blood sample is
appropriately labelled and that the information on the sample and the request form is
identical.
S.6.6 If the patient has been transfused since the date of collection of the sample, and if that
transfusion was given more than 3 days ago, a new blood sample is required for cross-
matching to detect the emergence of any new antibodies.
S.6.7 Standard blood request forms must be prepared by blood establishments and make
available to the clinical staff requesting blood/blood components.
S.6.8 The standard blood request form must contain the following information:
(a) Date and time on which the blood/blood component is required
(b) The number and type of component required
(c) The clinical indication for transfusion
S.6.9 Duplicate records must be avoided. It is necessary, at the time of request, to identify
and link separate records that exist for each patient.
S.6.10 The laboratory worker performing the compatibility procedure must double check the
identity of the patient‟s sample with the request form and with the compatibility label on
the donor units before issuing the blood.
36
Section B
G.1 Cross-matching
G.1.1 Sensitization of red cells
G.1.1.1 The tubes should be shaken to mix the reactants (patients‟ serum, donor red cells and
potentiator in appropriate ratios).
G.1.1.2 The incubation is to be done at 37oC in a waterbath for a minimum incubation time of
45 minutes if albumin is used as a potentiator. The incubation time is reduced to 15
minutes if LISS is the potentiator used.
G.1.2 Washing the tests

G.1.2.1 to 4 washes are recommended for washing
G.1.2.2 The essentials for efficient washing are thorough mixing of the cells, followed by a
vigorous injection of the saline wash to mix the cells and serum thoroughly throughout
the tube, and then removal of as much of the supernatant as possible at the end of
each washing cycle.
G.1.2.3 Saline solutions produced commercially for in-vivo irrigation/injection, and stored in
plastic containers, should not be used for washing.
G.1.3 Quality control of the whole test by the addition of sensitized cells (check
cells) to negative AHG tests
G.1.3.1 R1r cells sensitized with a „control‟ anti-D (check cells) to give ++/+++ reaction in a spin
test should be added to negative tests. These cells should give detectable reactions
from „+‟ to „+++‟.
G.1.3.2 The absence of a reaction suggests a washing deficiency and demands corrective
action and a repeat test. More strongly sensitized „++++‟ cells should not be used as
they give an illusion of safety by still reacting strongly with a partially neutralized AHG
reagent that would miss +/++ reactions.
37

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Punjab Blood Transfusion Government of the Punjab,

Authority Health Department

STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR

PUNJAB BLOOD TRANSFUSON

Lahore, Punjab, June 2015

DR. MUHAMMAD JAFAR SALEEM

The procurement of TTI screening kits procurement must be based on internationally

A “standard” is collection of system specific requirements that must be met by everyone

1. Cu SO4 solution based estimation based on the principle of specific gravity.

G.1.2 Second Tier Documents

G.1.3 Third Tier Documents

G.1.4 Fourth Tier Documents

S.1.2 Pre-donation education and consent of the donor

S.2 Selection of donors

S.2.2 General criteria of donor/donation selection

S.2.3 Medical assessmentof donors

S.2.3.2 Medical history

(a) Donor deferral due to medical conditions

(b) Donorson anti-platelet drugs

(c) Inoculations and immunizations

(d) Age of donors

(i) The minimum age of donors is 18 years.

(e) Donation interval

S.2.3.3 Weight of donors5

(a) The minimum weight of donors is 50 kg for a standard blood donation.

S.2.4 Selection criteria for apheresis donors

S.3 Collection of blood donation

S.4 Storage of blood after collection

S.5 Donor session record and labelling

S.5.3 Blood bag labels

(a) the unique donation identification number

S.5.4 Donor session records

S.6 Control of purchased material

G.1 Volume calculation for donors weighing less than 50kg

G.2 Haemoglobin screening

G.2.2 Copper Sulphate storage

G.2.3 Copper Sulphate for routine use

G.2.4 Spectrophotometric method for haemoglobin concentration screening

G.3 Disinfectants for venepuncture

S.1.2 Open system

S.1.3 Whole blood

S.1.4 Red cell concentrate

S.1.5 Platelet-rich plasma

S.1.6 Platelet concentrate

S.1.7 Fresh frozen plasma

S.1.10 Red cells, washed

S.1.11 Red cells for exchange transfusion

S.1.12 Components for neonatal use

S.1.13 Leucocyte depleted components

S.1.14 Irradiated components

S.1.16 Process control

S.1.18 Ambient temperature

S.3 Preparation of blood components

S.4 Mandatory statements at the time of issue

S.6 Transport of blood components

S.7 Quality control of blood components

S.7.2 Quality control

Component Volume13 Specifications

Platelet concentrate 40-50 ml Platelets 55 x 109/unit concentrate

S.8 Discard of Non-Conforming Components