Final answer:
Blood test results are typically received by the ordering physician or primary care provider. These results are obtained by medical technologists or blood bank technology specialists through specialized tests on the blood sample. They play a critical role in diagnosis and in ensuring the compatibility of blood for transfusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who Receives Test Results of Blood Specimen
When a blood sample is taken from a patient, as in the case of a person with hemolytic anemia, a blood bank technology specialist or a medical technologist (MT) may perform specialized testing on the specimen. They will analyze the blood's components, such as its type and the pH, and screen for various diseases. An MT often holds a bachelor's degree and certification, conducting a variety of tests on body fluids, including blood. Their expertise is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring. After the testing is complete, the results are typically received by the primary care provider or the physician who ordered the tests. The results may indicate the presence of specific antibodies, like those attached to red blood cells in hemolytic anemia, or they may be used to determine a patient's blood type, such as when plasma is collected and centrifuged to obtain serum for further analysis.
A sample scenario where blood typing is performed is during preparation for a surgery or after a motor vehicle accident. In emergency situations where there isn't time to determine the blood type, O negative blood, which is considered the universal donor type, is used for transfusion. However, in non-emergency situations, testing is done to identify the patient's blood type to ensure compatibility and prevent adverse reactions. The technician will assess the blood's reaction to anti-A, anti-B, and anti-Rh antibodies to determine the blood type. For example, if a patient's blood agglutinates with anti-B antibody, the patient would have the B antigen and thus have a blood type of either B positive or B negative, depending on the Rh factor. A cross-match assay is performed to ensure the compatibility of the donor's and the recipient's blood, reducing the risk of transfusion reactions.