[Communication in the blood bank]

Communication log is used and important memos are printed and signed by each tech.

[weak D test]

What is your facility doing?

We are doing the weak D test on women of child bearing age / and only once.

fetalscreen is peformed when indicated

[CAP Inspection Question TRM.30550]

Called CAP today and they agreed that what we are doing at my facility is okay- we retype (repeat forward type) with every specimen.

The key word they said is "may" have to use mechanical / barcode methods.

This is not required yet

[Quality Representative Poll]

We have a Quality Assurance Manager for the Lab and a Performance Improvement department for the hospital (handles hospital inspection /compliance). It seems that Quality positions are growing in the hospital where I work.

As the Transfusion Service Manager I drafted the Quality Plan and prepare statistics, audits and report at various meetings.

[Skin in the Blood Bank???]

Tissue / bones are stored in a monitored OR freezer.

I worked with the OR to make sure that their freezer met compliance issues.

OR reports at the Transfusion Committee regarding any issues with tissues / bones-since the Tranfusion Medical Director must be envolved with the oversight of tissues according to AABB.

[Irradiator dose delivery verification]

Annually only

[Igloo Cooler Validation]

We validate each cooler once a year. Each cooler is numbered.

We monitor the temperature for 6 hours using 10 units of blood and a volume of wet ice equal to 10 units.

We use coolers for transport and storage.

We put temperature indicators on units sent that will be stored.

We use a thermometer with a probe- probe inside between two units and temperature unit outside of cooler for temperature monitoring during re-validation

[neonatal LRC aliquots in prefiltered syringes]

The inspector did not quote me a reference.

I should have said unlicensed container that is why the 4 hour expiration time.

[Reagent pricing increases-Immucor and Ortho]

I heard that both companies are trying to get out of the BB business because of low profits.

I think they are raising prices to force you into automation.

[neonatal LRC aliquots in prefiltered syringes]

The pedi syringe is an unlicensed product therefore the aliquot has a 4 hour expiration.

This came up during an AABB inspection at my facility.