Blood Bank Requests for Unknown Patients

In situations where the identity of the patient is not known (Unconscious patient in A/E Department or Major Accident) special identity numbers are used e.g. Unknown patient 123.

Blood crossmatched 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 females of child-bearing age.