Rh/K phenotype
 (Blood Transfusion)
Investigation : Rh/K phenotype
Specimen type : K3E Crossmatch K3EDTA
Spec container : 6ml (PINK) 
Volume required : 1 full 6ml sample
Special sample requirements Sample and request form must be fully labelled, handwritten and not haemolysed.

The sample MUST be labelled with :
  • Full name
  • Hospital number and/or NHS number
  • Date of birth
  • Address

    Handwritten alterations on either the sample or request form may make the sample invalid for testing. Any minor alterations must be initialled by the person taking the sample to be acceptable for testing.

    • Patient Preparation None
    Storage Requirements The sample tube should be transferred to the laboratory for storage between 2-8°C.
    Turnaround time 2 working days - NHSBT referrals take on average another 5 working days
    Clinical Application

    Performing a phenotype on patient red cells can be utilised to confirm or rule out alloantibodies during antibody investigations. The patient must be proven to be negative for the antigen in order for the corresponding alloantibody to be produced. There are some exceptions to this general rule as autoantibody production is possible.

    A patient’s phenotype can be used to reduce the risk of a patient developing antibodies, this is of particular important for patients with a history of alloantibodies; these patients should be given red cells that are negative for Rh/K antigens they lack. This pre-emptive use of phenotyping is applied to patients likely to be receiving multiple transfusions over the course of a treatment plan, e.g. haematology patients. Rh/K phenotypes are performed on

  • Multi transfused patients e.g. haematology or haem-oncology patients.
  • All sickle cell patients

    Please note: In addition all haemoglobinopathy patients require an extended phenotype or genotype to be performed.

    • Clinical Interpretation Please refer to Clinical Transfusion Team
    EQA Scheme NEQAS
    UKAS Accredited LCL Transfusion laboratories are accredited to ISO 15189 by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for the clinical services they provide. They are also licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the services that fall under the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR).


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