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I would just like to add another comment to this discussion. CAT is NOT the best method for looking for weak ABO antigens or antibodies.

I would read the actual OSHA regulations, there are a lot of statements in there about "reasonable expectation of exposure". https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/bloodborne_quickref.html Be sure to read the definitions and don't implement rules for a research lab or micro/viro lab that don't apply to blood bank. This whole subject is one of my pet peeves, I would vote for common sense and don't lick anything in the lab!

Here's a easy read version of the Transfusion Safety Officer job description at our facility. Hope it gives you an idea of what might be possible at other facilities. TSO JOB DESCRIP.doc

There is a huge price difference between cryo and fibrinogen concentrates, maybe that has something to do with it.

We do have a NICU and have still had cases where they couldn't wait for the aliquot to be prepared, so we gave them the freshest O Neg that we had on the shelf.

I used to use a 10mL tigertop tube, it was an excellent brake!

Yes, that's true, Malcolm. On the other hand, if you test with 2 different monoclonal anti-A reagents (and an anti-AB for good measure - a real one not an A+B) and they all come up 4+, I think it's fairly safe to say that the patient is a group A. I think that giving group O blood in this case is both wasteful of group O blood (unless you are swimming in it) and overkill