Blood Bag Label Samples
Component Identification Labels
Each blood component carries a label that gives the name of the component, the unit number, the ABO/Rh (black and white), the expiration date, the Blood Center which collected and processed the component. In addition special processing labels may be affixed to the unit (see below). All information on the label should be accurate and legible. Labels on units other than autologous will also state that the blood is from a volunteer donor. Labels on platelet components will also have the volume recorded.
Red Blood Cells
Pooled Platelets
Apheresis Platelets
(ORANGE) Standard dose random apheresis platelet. Roughly equivalent to four units of pooled platelets.
(BLUE)
Large dose random apheresis platelet. Roughly equivalent to six units of pooled platelets.
These labels will appear in middle left of the platelet bag label.
Standard apheresis, NOT leukoreduced. Standard dose sticker also applied.
Standard apheresis, leukoreduced. Standard dose sticker also applied.
Large apheresis, NOT leukoreduced. Large dose sticker also applied.
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Large apheresis, leukoreduced. Large dose sticker also applied.
Matched apheresis, NOT leukoreduced. No dose (standard/large) sticker applied.
Large apheresis, leukoreduced. No dose (standard/large) sticker applied.
Autologous Blood Unit Labels
Autologous blood components are identified on the component label, by stickers on the bag indicating "autologous" and by a green bordered tie-on-tag which is attached to each unit. Examples are shown below.
Note: Autologous units may also be collected by facilities other than Puget Sound Blood Center. The labeling used by each facility will vary. It is most important that regardless of the way in which the unit is labeled, a complete check of the unit identification compared to the patient identification be performed on each unit to ensure the autologous unit is being given to the patient who donated it.
Component Identification Labels
Tie-on-Tag
Sticker (Green)
Sticker (Pink)
Directed Donation Units Labels
Directed donations are identified by a blue tie-on-tag which is attached to the unit along with a blue sticker which states "Directed Donation" affixed directly on the unit. Examples follow.
Note: Directed donations units may also be collected by facilities other than Puget Sound Blood Center. The labeling used by each facility will vary. It is most important that regardless of the way in which the unit is labeled, a complete check of the unit identification compared to the patient identification be performed on each unit to ensure the directed unit is being given to the correct patient.
Tie-on-tag (Blue)
Sticker (Blue)
Special Processing Labels
Leukocyte Reduced
Other stickers that appear on units will indicate special processing that has been performed on the unit.
Red Blood Cells
Filtered Platelets (Blue)
Irradiated
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Red Blood Cells, irradiated (exceptions below) (PURPLE) |
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Platelets, irradiated (exceptions below) (TAN) |
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Platelets, research, irradiated (GREY) |
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Red Blood Cells,
deglycerolized
Red Blood Cells, rejuvenated
Red Blood Cells, research
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CMV (Test Negative)
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Platelets and Red Blood Cells (will be located directly below the ABO type) (white w/ black lettering) |
Washed
Red Blood Cells (will be located on main component label)
Platelets (white with black lettering)
Used by Blood Center Only
Some stickers that may appear on units of Red Blood Cells and Whole Blood are for Blood Center use only. These stickers indicate unit and antigen type confirmation and are used exclusively by the Transfusion Service staff. They should not be removed from the unit! Examples are shown below.
Antigen Typing (hot pink)
Label Type Confirmed (yellow)
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