Who we are

Lifeblood's Red Cell Reference Service provides an internationally recognised scientific and diagnostic service to support transfusion practice and clinical need.

Our primary role is to support the clinical management and transfusion of patients and delivery of specialised blood components through:

• Excellent customer service;
• Specialised red cell serology and molecular genotyping services;
• Supporting the maintenance of a phenotyped inventory and rare donor panel, including an inventory of rare frozen red cells;
• Supporting education and exchange of resources nationally and internationally;
• Providing expert scientific and clinical advice;
• International collaboration to resolve complex cases; and
• Molecular genotype matching for safer transfusions.

To find out more, please see the National Red Cell Reference Service Strategy 2019-2023

What we do

We are able to resolve complex antibody investigations and anomalous blood groups.

Samples referred for the investigation of atypical antibodies unable to be resolved following use of a primary cell identification panel in routine blood banking laboratories, are tested both to identify and confirm the specificity of the antibodies and to exclude the presence of additional alloantibodies. Serological methods used may include both column agglutination technology and manual tube techniques.

We have access to rare antisera and rare phenotyped red cells in addition to routine identification panels to enable a full investigation to be completed.

 

Antibody investigations

Antibody investigation services offered include:

• Atypical antibody identification;
• Resolution of complex mixtures of atypical antibodies;
• Resolving crossmatching difficulties, including investigation of anomalous reactions due to monoclonal antibody therapy;
• Serological investigation of auto-immune haemolytic anaemia, including allo- and auto-absorption studies to detect underlying alloantibodies;
• Investigation of red cell induced transfusion reactions; and
• Investigation of Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn. (HDFN)

 

Blood grouping anomalies, phenotyping and genotyping

We are able to resolve blood groups anomalies including the classification in the weak and partial RhD status, and phenotyping or genotyping for most blood groups antigens. We may use serological and molecular techniques including single nucleotide polymorphisms and next generation sequencing for blood group determination.

We use Non-Invasive Prenatal Analysis (NIPA) for blood group genotyping to determine fetal RhD status in pregnancies to guide clinical management.

 

Locations

Red Cell Reference Service Laboratories are located in NSW, VIC, QLD and WA and also operates an on-call service for life-threatening situations where identification of atypical antibodies or blood group resolution is required to provide appropriate blood for transfusion.

For access to the on-call Red Cell Reference Service please call the Customer Service Delivery team in your State.

 

Contact Us