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ABO mixed field must be explained; find out patient transfusion history. If it is not clear what their blood type is, or if the mixed field cannot be explained (patient intubated, confused etc.) document and give type O. Interpretation of mixed field in gel is easy, harder in tube but I would expect it to be there. I would therefore suggest checking very carefully for mixed field by tube (this may be an occasion to use a microscope to confirm mixed field if needed). Sounds like this is a good sample to use for mixed field training in your lab.

Thanks, Sandra. As I'm sure you knew, I am aware of the answer - no way, no how are blood suppliers going to "discard" ~10% of their product. But I think it's important to consider the consequences of some of the now routine testing algorithms. No testing mean results are unknown, but once one has information, one may be required to take action. Many transfusion protocols for chronic users involve Rh (C/E) and K matching - there's another batch of donors whose (partial) phenotype is known and considered to be quite immunogenic. It goes on. I do find it interesting that your system "hides" the K+ status, but openly prints the K- attribute on the label. Another thought: If the K type of all of the patients were known, they could get the K+ units. The antigen frequencies should match up.

We have two IH 1000. They are workhorses. They need service every now and then, BioRad has been great to work with.

I have used Immucor Echo instruments since 2008. I love them! There are still some issues with cold antibodies and weakly positive DAT's causing positive screens, as with any newer methodology. Unfortunately, we are going to be going to the Ortho Visions due to corporate decisions. I'm trying to be optimistic but am thankful to be in the latter part of my career (3 years to go!).

So many questions... Like @John C. Staley said, what is the scale used for? We have several in our lab. Some are for weighing whole blood or platelets, some are for making reagents. Different tolerances could be allowed based on the risk. What does the manufacturer claim it can perform at? We do daily QC on our scales. Four points, 20g, 100g, 200g, and 500g. We expect the 20 to be +/- 0.1g and the others to be +/- 1g.