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Cell Washer Regular Maintenance/Checks


SMILLER

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We think we might be over doing our cell washer checks. We do daily checks including washing for weak D QC.  For the quarterly checks for RPMs and timing, we also check that the cell button is completely re-suspended beween washings, but we are having a little trouble with this.

Checking the AABB manual and our Helmer and Sorval cell-washer operator guides, they do not mention anything about a "cell suspension check" at all.  We were wondering what type of (non daily) maintenance others do for their cell washers.

Thanks, Scott

 

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we don't do any daily checks

weekly - clean and check volume delivered

quarterly - timer check

semi annual RPM check

annual - functional operation - check buttons, reactivity and confirm validity with check cells

annual - change tubing and tube holder inserts

Liz

 

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We have a Helmer, and according to the operator's manual and AABB:

-Day of use*: check tubing, drain and tubing connections, clean and dry interior after usage

-Monthly: Flushing the system, Mesure saline (when changing saline cube)

-Quarterly: RPM, Timer, Verify wash cycles, decant operation and physical condition

-Yearly: Calibration with AHG, Function verification

We do not perform cell button re-suspension check between washes.

*We perform Weak D in gel, so we use the cell washer only for DAT poly in tube and for Fetal Screen.

Good luck in your research!

Helen

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22 hours ago, SMILLER said:

Helen,

As of today, we are indeed, thinking of forgetting about the whole check-for-a-cell-button thing.  But how do you "verify a wash cycle"?

 

Scott

Scott, the wash cycle is verified when I perform "day of use QC" with a positive and negative DAT poly in tube. I do not like to use the word "assume", specially in Blood Bank, but if the QC is successful, we "assume" that the wash cycle function is performing adequately.

Helen

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22 hours ago, ANORRIS said:

My helmer says to flush weekly...can't find flushing in AABB, and I don't see calibration in either.

My Helmer mentions that too, but because we use the cell washer about once a week, I am deviating from the manufacturer's recommendation (with pathologist approval).

Calibration (yearly function) is from AABB, method section USB card.

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Responding to what Frenchie, above, is doing regarding cell-washer checking (that includes looking for a cell button): 

Does anyone else do this?  Has anyone been asked about this during an inspection?

Thanks, Scott

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