Xavier

Hello everyone. I just happened to come across this site while i was researching some things for our Lab. I've only been working in the blood bank now for two years, so I'm still a little rough around the edges . I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask though, but do we have any military lab techs around here? I've been looking around for some insight into how the lab works in the military, so if someone could point me in the right direction that would be wonderful.

Thank you so much for all the replies everyone! I've been looking around some of our old SOPs and meeting notes(I've only been working here for two years) and I guess this has gotten some support in the past. Antigen Plus seems to be the most polished, but that probably translates to the most expensive. I'll just have to do more research. OPUS, is there any reason your lab decided to use Excel over a more database oriented program, such as Access?

Thank you for the swift reply Cliff. Microsoft access was my first idea for this project, since for some reason i've never noticed to barcodes on the panels! Personaly I'm familiar enough to probably handle the initial data entry for our current book, but I'm worried about the buy-in from my fellow technologists before I even consider the panel manufacturers. Like most large hospitals, we have a large generation gap in our lab, where I believe if I complete this project it will forever just be my project. That means I'll be in charge of doing all the upkeep, and when I eventually leave the program will fall to ruin. Why is it that scanning isn't viable? I feel as thought that would be a lot easier when I try to pass this program off.

Around my lab, it has become an accepted practice to take long periods of time to search through the rather large binder of new and expired panels. This is done for the use of finding selected cells for rule outs as well as searching for high frequency negatives, and has become quite the hassel. As one of the younger techs in the lab, as well as a child of technology, i was wondering if there would be a way to digitize the panel book and to make a proper search program for this newly formed database. I understand the upkeep would be a little high as panels are routinely cycled in and out, but i believe the time saved while searching would outway the upkeep time. I was wondering if anyone here has either attempted this, has an idea on how to attempt it, or even has a working model?