Blood bank requests for "unknown patients"

In situations where the identity of the patient is not known (such as an unconscious patient in the Emergency Department or following a Major Accident), special identity numbers are used e.g. Unknown patient 123.

Blood cross matched and labelled for these unknown patients may be transfused to the patient - even when the patient’s true identity is known as long as the “Unknown details” wristband remains on the patient. If the “Unknown” wristband is removed, a new sample with the patient’s details is required to provide further blood and blood products.

It is important that the sex of the patient and the approximate age is given as it may influence the selection of blood and blood products especially in the case of people of child-bearing age (from onset of the first period to menopause).

This webpage was reviewed and updated by Mark Taplin, Blood Transfusion Manager, 22nd February 2024