There are a number of different processes performed before the blood component leaves the Blood Service.
The Blood Service processes each donation to ensure components are optimised to help the greatest number of recipients.
All donations are required to undergo mandatory testing by the Blood Service. This testing allows us to identify the donor's blood group and Rh (D) type, and screens for unusual red cell antibodies. Before a transfusion, compatibility testing is performed between the donated blood and a patient's blood sample.
In some circumstances it is not just your blood group that is important when having a transfusion. Sometimes extra requirements need to be taken into consideration. For example, your doctor could request blood that is CMV negative, blood that has been irradiated or washed red cells. These processes are performed by the Blood Service.
