What should be done with an autologous blood unit if the laboratory system has the donor's married name and the unit has her hyphenated last name?

The correct course of action involves ensuring that the social security numbers match and obtaining the medical director's approval for making corrections to the database. In blood banking, accurate identification of donors is crucial for maintaining safety and traceability. When discrepancies, such as a difference between the donor's married name in the laboratory system and the hyphenated last name on the blood unit, arise, it is necessary to verify these details rigorously. Checking the social security numbers helps confirm the identity of the donor beyond just the names, which can sometimes change due to marriage or personal preference.

Once the identity is verified through matching social security numbers, the next step involves getting the medical director's approval to correct the name in the database. This is important because it ensures that any changes to patient or donor records maintain compliance with regulatory standards and institutional policies. Maintaining accurate and consistent records can help avoid potential transfusion reactions and legal issues related to donor identification.

Utilizing this method assures that both the integrity of the blood banking process is upheld and the safety of transfusion recipients is ensured.