RichU

When I worked for NHSBT RCI we kept the cells used for XM in Cellstab (containing preservative) for about a week. All our serology was performed manually so we had already taken an aliquot of cells which had been washed in saline before making suspensions. (Usually in Dil2 or BioVue's equivalent)

We use DiaMed tech. Manual work is read using the Banjo card reader. Reagents are all scanned into the IH.com software to give a full audit trail - user, batch numbers, expiry. Unless the QC has been performed (identical to the analyser) and read the results have a QC watermark across them.

We regularly used to run RT or even cold gel panels (LISS cells on Saline cards) to id M, P1, Le etc. If suspected A2 patient with anti-A1, use A2 cells in the reverse grouping card. We would test the grouping cells for the identified antibody. WARNING! These may require a degree of skill as may have to perform manual testing.

Just an observation.... When I worked in a reference lab in the UK we tested the patient's cells against AB serum in parallel when performing IAT typing. This was part of the testing protocol and there was no DAT required. I would only think about doing a DAT if this negative control was positive. Is there a charge for running a monoclonal control with monoclonal typing reagents?

We use NHSBT 10 cell panel in Cellstab as our secondary. They also do enzyme treated version. (and 3% NISS version). We have to attach our own barcodes to use them on the IH500 and you might have to talk to BioRad to ask if they can install software to let you use the cells. Scottish NBS also produce a panel I believe.

Don't whoever makes your gelcards produce reagent cells too? When I worked for NHSBT we used BioVue cells on BioVue cards and BioRad cells on BioRad cards.

No products/components since 2016 (see my previous post) TO OUR KNOWLEDGE. Being a small island nation, patients quite often get treatment in the UK which we don't know about and vice versa - very helpful. So he may have had D pos platelets. I think it unlikely he had D pos red cells for a planned procedure. We did XM 4 units (O neg) in 2016 but none were required. Thanks all

Thanks for your input. Patient came in this time for Laparotomy. The only other product we have issued is Beriplex (prothrombin complex to reverse Warfarin) in 2016 when he had an AAA. (Antibody screen neg) Cheers

Hi Guys, Has anyone seen the following scenario before and , if so, how common is it? 2002 male O neg patient transfused 4 units of Oneg and 6 O pos. 2012 and 2014 antibody screen negative. Now using the same methodology (DiaMed IAT), we have a strong anti-D. No D positive units transfused since 2002. Why is anti-D now apparent 20 years after the transfusion of D pos cells but not 10 years ago? Cheers, RichU

I think it depends on individual circumstances. I would not keep K- units as a requirement for these patients once therapy has ended and no antibodies are detected. I would always give c-, E- units to an R1R1 patient with anti-c whether or not anti-E had been detected. @Malcolm - as I've said before, there are always caveats with serology! (even that statement)

UK units are all K typed. We don't give K+ blood to females <50years, children, anti-CD38 patients, chronically transfused (eg Sickle) or anyone with anti-K. Anyone else is fair game.

Thanks srichar3. I know about 5.3, hence our 45 minute stipulation, but there is no max?

The BioRad panel sheets only usually give + or 0 for P1 whereas NHSBT give numeric scores which is much more helpful when the antibody only reacts by IAT with strong examples. A cold panel helps with any ambiguity too. (and P1 type on the patient, but who stocks anti-P1 at a hospital?)

Hi all, Can I have your opinions/policies regarding the following please? We currently have 15 members of the on call rota, 12 of these are not transfusion staff. Therefore we only get 2 sessions a month and sometimes wont be performing any serology for weeks. Everyone does have to do 10 days in here per annum. More people want to join the rota and the pathology manager thinks this is a great idea. I am concerned that, especially the ones new to transfusion, won't be particularly competent with that level of experience. Thanks, Rich

We use BioRad gelcards. There are different ABD-Confirmation cards for Donors and Patients. The Donor one detects DVI, the patient one does not. The D status of all donors found negative by the ABD conf card are confirmed using a monoclonal anti-D by IAT. Is re-grouping of units, sent from the blood bank, at the hospital a thing? Sorry for the late post