[Preop Specimen]

We extend our samples to 10 days.

[Bacterial Testing - Apheresis Platelets]

On ‎3‎/‎4‎/‎2017 at 9:23 AM, AMcCord said:

We can't justify bringing testing in house considering the volume of platelets we transfuse, so will go with pathogen reduction when those products are available.

Same here!

[Secondary Bacterial Testing for Platelets]

23 hours ago, Red Blood Cells said:

So, if our blood supplier uses the pathogen reduction system we (blood transfusion service) will not be required to do secondary bacterial testing?

As I understand it, you would only need to perform secondary bacterial testing if you plan to extend the life of your platelets. In that case, you would also need to register with the FDA, if you have not already done so.

[Ortho Panel Cells -Quality Assurance]

Yes, we currently perform all of our antigen typing in tube. Thanks for the clarification!

[Ortho Panel Cells -Quality Assurance]

On ‎3‎/‎9‎/‎2017 at 6:20 AM, mollyredone said:

What we do is use the current cells for our QC for our antigen typing, using a heterozygous cell as a positive control for whatever antigen we are testing.  That seems periodic to me.

This covers 3% panel cells, but what about any 0.8% panels? We currently have 7 indated 0.8% panels and three 3% indated panels. We had to add additional panels to our standing order since we can no longer use out-dated panel cells!

[Automated Cord Blood Testing]

We remove an aliquot from the primary container and rim the sample for clots prior to centrifugation. We use the Ortho Vision analyzers. Prior to that we used the ProVue.

[childbearing age]

50 and younger

[Secondary Bacterial Testing for Platelets]

We will not be using the Verax point of issue testing. Our blood supplier will be going to the FDA approved pathogen reduction system, INTERCEPT, by CERUS.

[Continuing Issues with Ortho Gel Reagents and or Equipment]

We also have two Ortho Vision analyzers. We have been having issues with the IgG cards for a few months now. This is a nation-wide problem according to our Ortho Technician. and Account Manager.  We've tried several lot numbers of cards, some with better results than others... Thankfully, we recently upgraded the Vision software to version 4.8.0 (Mod 16) and we are now able to edit reaction grades on the QC results after reviewing the cards. Before that, the QC would fail automatically and we would be forced to repeat the QC, sometimes 3-4 times. 

 I'm surprised by some of the comments of Ortho representatives denying that there is a problem. While they don't currently have a solution to the problem, our account manager and service technician have been very forthcoming that this is a known issue with the IgG cards.

[Changing Venue]

Welcome to the "Left" coast!

[Terumo sterile connecting device validation]

We are considering purchasing the Terumo  TSCD II Sterile Tubing Welder for our Transfusion Service. We are not currently registered with the FDA. Would we have to register with the FDA if we used this device to split units and make neonatal aliquots? I'm thinking we wouldn't since we're not actually making a new product.