Any Lab Techs On The Forum?

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

I am having knee replacement surgery in two weeks. I went in for my pre-admission testing which included blood work. I got a call later that day to say they need to get another vial of blood because of antibody typing and it needs to be done 72 hours before my surgery.

I have Googled this but I'm confused. I've had surgery before and this didn't happen. Why couldn't they test what I gave them? And, how come it has to be 72 hours before surgery? I know what antibodies are, just not how it relates to my blood test.

They told me it was nothing to be concerned about but I haven't heard this before. Any information would be appreciated.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Winkk wrote:
I am having knee replacement surgery in two weeks. I went in for my pre-admission testing which included blood work. I got a call later that day to say they need to get another vial of blood because of antibody typing and it needs to be done 72 hours before my surgery.

I have Googled this but I'm confused. I've had surgery before and this didn't happen. Why couldn't they test what I gave them? And, how come it has to be 72 hours before surgery? I know what antibodies are, just not how it relates to my blood test.

They told me it was nothing to be concerned about but I haven't heard this before. Any information would be appreciated.

@Winkk Just google it

https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/blood-typing/tab/test/

Trix · ‎03-16-2010

winkk wrote:
I am having knee replacement surgery in two weeks. I went in for my pre-admission testing which included blood work. I got a call later that day to say they need to get another vial of blood because of antibody typing and it needs to be done 72 hours before my surgery.

I have Googled this but I'm confused. I've had surgery before and this didn't happen. Why couldn't they test what I gave them? And, how come it has to be 72 hours before surgery? I know what antibodies are, just not how it relates to my blood test.

They told me it was nothing to be concerned about but I haven't heard this before. Any information would be appreciated.

@Winkk, A knee replacement is a serious surgery. I've had multiples. Your doctor would have been notified by the lab that you would be called in for the additional test. The lab would never tell you the specific reason for a test, and they are trained to tell patients nothing to worry about. Some will say inquiries about lab tests should be directed to your doctor. There may be a reason distinct to your case, so with all due respect to lab techs and other medical/health professionals who may respond, you should speak to your doctor instead of soliciting generic advice on this forum. The answer beats random speculations any day.

Good luck with the knee replacement. It's a long recovery, but with solid dedication to rehabilation you will get there. I found water exercise to be incredibly beneficial. I began my water exercise program after the first knee replacement and never stopped. It's now my primary exercise.

tends2dogs · ‎05-08-2010

@Winkk I am not a lab tech, but my guess would be for a possible transfusion??? should the need arise, they would have you typed and ready.

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Winkk wrote:
I am having knee replacement surgery in two weeks. I went in for my pre-admission testing which included blood work. I got a call later that day to say they need to get another vial of blood because of antibody typing and it needs to be done 72 hours before my surgery.

I have Googled this but I'm confused. I've had surgery before and this didn't happen. Why couldn't they test what I gave them? And, how come it has to be 72 hours before surgery? I know what antibodies are, just not how it relates to my blood test.

They told me it was nothing to be concerned about but I haven't heard this before. Any information would be appreciated.
@Winkk Just google it

https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/blood-typing/tab/test/

@SeaMaiden -- I read quite a few articles but didn't see this one. Thanks a lot.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

When they are attempting to crossmatch your blood type they found an antibody , and apparently did not have enough blood to do further necessary testing. It is no big deal, but they need to be able to crossmatch your blood against units they have from the blood bank so if you need blood they have the best possible match for you. Also, if they don't have a good match for you they may need to order from the blood bank to get the perfect match - thus the necessary 72 hours.

It's no big deal - people have all sorts of various antibodies in their blood.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@151949 wrote:
When they are attempting to crossmatch your blood type they found an antibody , and apparently did not have enough blood to do further necessary testing. It is no big deal, but they need to be able to crossmatch your blood against units they have from the blood bank so if you need blood they have the best possible match for you. Also, if they don't have a good match for you they may need to order from the blood bank to get the perfect match - thus the necessary 72 hours.
It's no big deal - people have all sorts of various antibodies in their blood.

@151949 - That's what they told me. They said it happens frequently but I'm a worry wart and the closer my surgery date comes the more I worry. Thanks.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

Just call the surgeon's office, disregard anything anyone tells you. It's good question, if you call the doc's office (or email them), the nurse or nurse practioner will answer your question.

henderson · ‎03-18-2010

I had a knee replacement almost 5 years ago and never had this done. However, I wish I had donated my own blood as I needed a transfusion. I've had 2 c-sections and a total hysterectomy and never needed a transfusion before.