A primer in pretransfusion testing.

Pretransfusion testing encompasses much more than testing a patient's sample in the laboratory. All aspects pertaining to this testing will be reviewed, from the clinician's order to the final step of when the blood product is ready to be issued to the clinical side from the laboratory. The importance of patient safety and positive outcomes will be stressed through discussion of positive patient identification and appropriate labelling in order to get the right product to the right patient at the right dose. Transfusion service does not stop in the laboratory; it is imperative that all who are involved in this service appreciate the significance of performing tasks accordingly to standards and regulations.