Accepting substitutions for orders with specific requirements  

Specific requirement components such as antigen negative or CMV negative red cells, or HT negative platelets can be in short supply, and sometimes orders with multiple specificities can be difficult for us to source. In these cases, Hospital Services staff (who are not trained Biomedical Scientists (BMS)) may contact your hospital to discuss substitution.

In line with Appendix 4 of the Blood and Blood Component contract, it is the responsibility of the Lab BMS to agree the substitution:

'If any Products ordered are not available, NHSBT may offer alternative products. The Purchaser is to confirm which of the alternatives offered, if any, are clinically suitable for their requirements. The Purchaser will not refuse a clinically acceptable substitution.'

Shabana Tufail, Customer Service Manager