RCI management of Intra-uterine Transfusions (IUT) and neonatal transfusions

While requests for these transfusions requests are relatively rare, as part of our continuous improvement programme, we have recently reviewed the management of these referrals. 

This means that you will be asked for additional details and/or a baby sample, if one is available. This change ensures that we will receive appropriate information to provide transfusion support in a timely manner, that checks and decisions will be made, either within RCI’s LIMS or by our scientists and that all the available information on mother and baby will be considered. 

When you need us to carry out testing to support an Intra-uterine or neonatal transfusion please telephone the laboratory as soon as possible: we will need to gather information from you to ensure that we undertake appropriate testing to enable suitable blood provision, and would prefer to receive both maternal and neonatal samples, however we will discuss this with you.

Please make it clear on the telephone call, that the request is for neonatal or intra-uterine transfusion. Where maternal and neonatal samples are referred, please include details on the maternal request form. If only a neonatal sample is referred, please include the maternal details on the form.

Units will continue to be issued as ‘Suitable for the baby of ….’ unless a baby sample is received and then units will be issued to the patient directly.  

Thank you in anticipation of your support.  If you have any questions, please contact your RCI laboratory who will be happy to discuss this further.

Sarah Thompson - National Operations Manager, RCI