quint

Welcome

very good site

from web md http://www.webmd.com/news/20070403/converting-blood-types-may-be-possible Converting Blood Types May Be Possible Technique Makes Type A, B, or AB Blood Act Like Type O Blood By Miranda Hitti WebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD April 3, 2007 -- Scientists have found a way to convert blood types in a test tube. If their approach works in people, it could be a boon to the blood supply. The news appears in Nature Biotechnology. The four blood types are A, B, AB, and O. They are based on the presence or absence of specific antigens -- foreign substances that cause the production of antibodies. Blood type is inherited. To avoid potentially deadly reactions, type A blood can only be given to people with type A or type AB blood. Type B blood can only be given to people with type B or AB blood. Type O blood is often in demand because it can be safely used in any patient. Scientists have long looked for ways to make type A, type B, or type AB blood compatible with anyone. But until now, those attempts have had limited success. Now, scientists report success with a new technique tested in a lab. The researchers studied 2,500 enzymes made by fungi or bacteria and found two families of enzymes that make type A, type B, or type AB blood act like type O blood. Scientists working on the study included Qiyong Liu of ZymeQuest, the Massachusetts-based company developing the enzyme technique. Their technique needs further testing. But if it succeeds, it "would substantially reduce pressure on the blood supply," states a Nature Biotechnology editorial. The editorialists included Geoff Daniels, PhD, FCRPath, of the Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences in Bristol, England.

I would check the CDC.

I guess it is one of those walk in my shoes things for each department. it really comes down to upper management enforcement of policies.

agree with Franklyn. careful what you start, then you must always do.

1 is the standard

welcome

We are in a hiring freeze since December.

Sure you're not at our place? OR is routinely giving us a major headache.:mad:

Agreed

semi retirement? what are you doing?

We did a complete vendor review with Cim and Rees. I am not sure about the past but you can add and validate probes yourself with Rees, if you chose to. Also, real costing (outside labor,service ,validation,downtime,training...) Rees was less expensive for our facility. They offered wired and wireless which also was a deciding factor. We actually have wired in our bloodbank and wireless in our main labs for flexibility. I agree that wireless is the new flavor of the month out there. I also agree that you should get presentations from multiple vendors. Ask for references. Make sure there are local facilities on your list. Good Luck kwm

welcome

This is you best course. That way they are the bad cop.

Projects should contain: Training, reduce waste, increase turn around time, increase safety, reduce risk.

thanks Cliff

Vendor should be able to give you an outline of changes that you can use as the template for testing. Be sure to include some original core testing.

Welcome Matt.

Helmer was very good, have slipped a little recently

I bet the economy has something to do with the increases.

Just signed up. Looks like a nice site.