Final answer:
In case of a suspected transfusion reaction, a blood sample from the patient and a sample of the transfused blood product are collected for laboratory testing, which includes use of Coombs' reagent for antibody detection.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a transfusion reaction is suspected, the two samples that are typically collected and sent to the laboratory are a blood sample from the patient and a sample of the blood product that was transfused. The blood sample from the patient is used to confirm the patient's blood type and test for antibodies that may be reacting against the transfused blood cells. This involves using a Coombs' reagent, which helps in the visualization and detection of antibodies attached to red blood cells, indicating an immune response. Additionally, a sample of the transfused blood product is also examined to double-check the blood type and ensure that the correct type of blood was transfused.
This process is crucial in diagnosing and treating transfusion reactions, which can include symptoms such as fever, chills, and hemolytic anemia. It ensures patient safety by identifying the cause of the adverse reaction and guiding appropriate medical interventions.