Packedrbcavailbpu
This test checks the availability of packed red blood cell units in the blood bank for potential transfusions.
{"Measures the number of packed red blood cell units available for transfusion","Crucial for cardiac surgeries and patients with severe anemia","Used to ensure adequate blood supply is ready for medical procedures","Results indicate whether blood products are ready for emergency or planned use","Important for patient safety during surgical procedures"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14302-4
- Short code
- PRBC_INV
- Synonyms
- Packed RBC Avail BPU
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Not applicable - no patient specimen collected
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Manual inventory count or automated blood bank information system (BBIS) enumeration of available allogeneic packed red blood cell units in blood bank inventory
- CPT
- 36430
- SNOMED
- 127095003
- Specimen volume
- Not applicable - no patient specimen collected
- Stability
- Not applicable - no patient specimen collected
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 0–1 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Packed Erythrocytes Units Available test determines how many units of packed red blood cells are currently available in the blood bank inventory. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are a blood product that has been processed to separate whole blood into its components, concentrating the red blood cells for transfusion. This test does not analyze a patient sample but rather checks the blood bank inventory status.
Why is this test performed?
This test is primarily performed in cardiac care settings to ensure adequate blood products are available before, during, or after cardiac surgeries and procedures. It helps healthcare providers plan for potential transfusions and ensures patient safety by verifying that compatible blood products are ready when needed.
How is the test result used?
The result indicates the number of packed red blood cell units that can be allocated for transfusion. Healthcare teams use this information to determine if sufficient blood products are available for upcoming procedures or to manage patients with severe anemia or blood loss. In emergency situations, this test helps ensure quick access to life-saving blood products.
Reference range
No established reference range; inventory levels determined by hospital transfusion service policies and anticipated clinical demand. Typical inventory target: 3-5 days supply based on usage patternsN/A
Not applicable - this is a blood bank inventory assessment, not a patient specimen test. No patient preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is this a blood test from my body?
Why is this important for cardiac patients?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy