krichards

We use Sunquest, and it supports the Echo (as well as the Proview).

We follow the practice of using one CPDA unit until expiration also, sometimes with two babies sharing a unit. We have had a couple of instances in the past where the neonatologist suspected that the units were elevating a baby's K+. Each time, we simply assigned the baby a fresh unit. The fresh units did not help in any instance that I have heard of, so the elevated K+ was probably not caused by the unit. Also, our NICU keeps track of the expiration dates of each baby's unit, and the docs will frequently order an aliquot the day of expiration (if the unit has not been completely used yet) in order to keep donor exposure to a minimum. None of these transfusions just prior to unit expiration have met with any adverse effects. Karen

I spoke with Immucor about this today. We have had 5 false-positive fetal screens this month. (Our only other patient had a positive KB). Immucor stated that they have only had 20 calls regarding this problem, out of 4000 kits shipped. Just by reading this, though, it sounds like the problem is much larger than they realize/admit to. The rep I spoke with suggested that some customers were having better luck when they washed their patient red cells prior to testing (which we do not do). The theory is that this will remove any RhIg in the plasma before it can bind to the anti D reagent. We're going to try this and see if it works.

We purchased 2 Echos this year. Prior to that we were using the Ortho gel. We had absolutely no trouble making the transition, even though the idea had been met with a greal of resistance by several techs prior to implementation. I would not factor the change in methodology into my decision if I were you. When using the Ortho gel, we had trouble with a higher than average number of patients with non-specific colds...and we have the same percentage now with Immucor. Same goes with the patients who react to the additives in the gel/plates...the number is the same now as it was when we were using the gel. Like you, we seriously looked at both the Echo and the Provue. Our decision was based on ease of use, downtime, difficulty of maintenance, and price. It was a tough decision, but we eventually decided to go with the Echos for these reasons. We have had no trouble with the transition, and no regrets regarding our decision. In fact, the techs who were most resistant to the change are now the Echos' biggest fans.

We use the Simmler kit. It's fairly cheap, easy to use, and has a long shelf life - usually 2 to 3 years.

Hi all! I stumbled across BBT today while doing some google searches. This has been the site I've been looking for, but didn't know existed. I am a newly promoted blood bank supervisor at a 350+ bed facility in West Texas. I just spend my last 3 years working as a generalist (everywhere but blood bank that is!) I am excited very excited to have found this resource, and plan to visit often!