BLOOD TESTING

ALL blood collected by the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center undergoes a variety of tests performed by our lab technologists to ensure it is safe for transfusion. These tests include:

1. Test for ABO Group and Rh Type- Although there are more than 400 substances (known as red cell antigens) on red blood cells, the ABO group and Rh type are considered to be the most important with regard to blood transfusion. This test identifies each donor's blood type ( O, A, B, or AB) and Rh type (Positive or negative), enabling future patient matching.

2. Test for Unexpected Antibodies- It is possible that a person who has been transfused or pregnant may have produced what are referred to as unexpected antibodies as a result of exposure to red cell antigens that are "foreign" to his/her immune system. Even if unexpected antibodies are detected, the red blood cells may be used for transfusion because the antibody-containing plasma can be separated from the red cells.

3. Test for Syphilis- Exposure to syphilis causes the production of antibodies for Treponema Pallidum (the spirochete that causes syphilis). The RPR test detects the presence of these antibodies. Even though this organism does not survive after three days in units of blood stored at refrigerator temperatures, this test is required by the FDA

4. Test for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) - HBsAg testing is performed to help prevent transmission of hepatitis B to blood recipients. The complex hepatitis B virus produces several different substances known as viral antigens. The surface antigen is the one for which all blood donors are tested. Its presence indicates that a person may be a carrier and is infectious.

5. Test for Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc) - "Core" testing is performed to detect possible past exposure to hepatitis B.

6. Combination Test for HIV I/II Antibodies - This test is performed to prevent transmission of HIV by transfusion. Exposure to HIV results in the production of HIV antibodies, which are detected by the test. THIS IS NOT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR AIDS. The diagnosis of AIDS can only be made by other laboratory tests as well as physician's evaluation.

7. Test for HTLV I-II Antibody - This test detects antibodies to a virus called Human T-Lymphotropic Virus type I and HTLV type II that is linked to adult T-cell leukemia and progressive neurological disease. These diseases are mostly found in Japan and the Caribbean countries, and are rarely seen in the United States.

8. Test for Hepatitis C (HCV) Antibody - This test is another tool in the ongoing efforts directed against transfusion-transmitted hepatitis C. Although the test is not diagnostic, it is a useful screening test that can detect the proteins that develop in one's blood when exposed to to hepatitis C virus.

9. Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) for HIV and HCV- These tests detect very low numbers of viral copies after they appear in the bloodstream.

These tests take approximately eight (6) hours per unit of blood to complete. All units of blood found to be positive are destroyed and those donors are confidentially contacted.

A single donation can help save at least three (3) patients. Nearly all blood collected by the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center is separated into components such as red blood cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma.

By separating blood into components, patients receive only the component needed to treat their particular illness or injury. Whole blood (donated for oneself) must be used within thirty-five (35) days from the collection date; Leukocyte reduced packed red cells must be used with in forty-two (42) days; platelets with in five (5) days; and fresh froze plasma within one year. the shelf life of the blood is another reason the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center needs and depends on caring individuals of our community to donate regularly.

Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center is inspected and accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CLIA,  and the State of Kentucky.

Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center is a member of the American Association of Blood Banks, the Kentucky Association of Blood Banks and the America's Blood Centers.

Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center Board of Directors consists of administrators and pathologist of the hospitals served.

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