Since the implementation of the second sample crossmatch policy at various hospitals served by the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS), we are happy to note a marked decrease in ‘wrong blood in tube’ incidents. As we expand the implementation of this policy, we continually seek to make the process more convenient and efficient to the participating hospitals.
Towards this end we have revised the procedure to allow for the need for a second sample to be established at the first point of contact, rather than at the time of receipt of the initial sample.
We believe that these measures will not only help streamline the process for participating sites, but will also improve the rate at which WCBS can detect or exclude ‘wrong blood in tube’ incidents and thus make blood available for electronic crossmatching much sooner.
For more information about the second sample policy, contact Ms Meridah Mwase (Head — Blood Banks (Meridah.Mwase@wcbs.org.za).
