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Blood sample data not stored

Posted By duckyduck

"Blood sample data not stored"

About: Borders General Hospital / Haematology

(as a service user),

I had blood samples taken recently ready for a blood transfusion later in the week.

In the afternoon after attending, I had two phone calls telling me the samples ( not just mine, all match and save samples) have not had the data stored. I would have to go back the next day for more blood to be taken.

I am a wheelchair user and it is 5 miles each way to get this draw done. Usually I have to book transport a week in advance but have managed to get a non-WAV where the driver has said there will be assistance in and out of the car and the chair will go into the boot. 

I want to know how this can happen - blood test results in effect being lost - and how serious this is. Luckily I have a day in hand but presumably some people will have had their transfusions cancelled. Is there no backup protocol? How worried should I be that this will happen again?

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Responses

Update posted by duckyduck (a service user)

The lack of response tells me everything.

Response from Diane Keddie, Excellence in Care Lead Nurse, NHS Borders 3 weeks ago
Diane Keddie
Excellence in Care Lead Nurse,
NHS Borders

Submitted on 18/07/2025 at 16:01
Published on Care Opinion at 16:02

Apologies for the delay in response to this concern.

I’m sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced during your recent blood transfusion process.

Our laboratory recently transitioned to a new computer system. Please be assured that all transfusion data from the previous system has been securely transferred and remains accessible. However, in line with the legal requirements set out in the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations, we are required to test two separate blood group samples in the new system before we can issue any blood products.

Prior to this change, we communicated the new sample requirements to all clinical areas. However, we understand that not all areas may have fully received or understood this information. As a result, a small number of patients, including yourself, were unfortunately asked to return for additional blood samples.

I want to reassure you that no transfusion data was lost, and no transfusions were cancelled during this transition. I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this caused and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our systems and ensure patient safety.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by duckyduck (a service user)

Sorry but that is not the information I have been given by not one but two independent and reputable sources.

You already had one sample (the one that was lost) and I then gave the second sample as arranged. Then got 2 phone calls from different places to tell me I had to go back to give a third sample as the data from the first sample has been lost. I was very much inconvenienced and both concerned and upset as were my family and my carers.

What would have happened had I not been able to get to give the third sample? Then my transfusion would indeed have been cancelled.

I have also experienced delays in getting blood test results since the new system has been put in place which means delays in organising treatment and with resultant uncertainty and stress.

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