Joanne P. Scannell

At the time of thaw, we assign the 5 day outdate (expires at 23:59, which is very nice!) and use the 'THAWED PLASMA' versions of the Product Codes (NOT the 'Thawed NNNN' version!)  I didn't see the sense of putting extra steps in the process (i.e. relabel after 24hrs).  Here are the ISBT128 Codes that we use (we are 100% FP24).  We used Hematrax for labeling ... I don't know where you'd get all these labels if you needed them.
 
We also have the policy that during an emergency (or MD can't wait), we issue whatever is already thawed according to outdate, not ABO Group.  Exception:  We do not issue Group O Plasma to non-Group O (or unknown) patients.  This helps move the inventory as well.
 
E2619PLASMA|CP2D/XX/<=-18C|Frozen<=24hE2720Thawed PLASMA|CP2D/XX/refgE2587PLASMA|CPDA-1/XX/<=-18C|Frozen<=24hE2702Thawed PLASMA|CPDA-1/XX/refgE2555PLASMA|CPD/XX/<=-18C|Frozen <=24hE2684Thawed PLASMA|CPD/XX/refgE7644Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24hE2121Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refgE7646Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24h|1st containerE5548Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refg|1st containerE7648Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24h|2nd containerE5549Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refg|2nd containerE7650Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24h|3rd containerE5550Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refg|3rd containerE7607Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24h|4th containerE6393Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refg|4th container

Of course, all this may be a moot point because at this time, it is highly unlikely that anyone in the US will have an 'overstock' of vaccine. 
Due to failures and incompetency I don't need to mention, we will be lucky to get a fraction of what we need just to protect our 'front line'.

Congratulations, Malcolm!  "For he's a jolly good fellow ... that nobody can deny!' ... so the song goes!

Congratulations, Malcolm!  "For he's a jolly good fellow ... that nobody can deny!' ... so the song goes!

Congratulations, Malcolm!  "For he's a jolly good fellow ... that nobody can deny!' ... so the song goes!

I was immensely honoured to receive this through the post today (with a lapel badge).

All Blood Products: We require a current BB sample, tested, etc.
Plasma, Platelets, Cryo: No time limitation as long as the patient is still wearing the matching BB Band. 
Plasma: If there is no current sample tested, it is given 'Uncrossmatched'.  If I'm interpreting the 'rules' correctly, that's what we have to do for plasma.
Platelets: We stock Group A Platelets so that is what they get.  We obtain Group compatible if we have to order platelets for a specific patient or a neonate.  Shortest outdate is used first.
Cryo:  There is no consideration for ABO Group ... shortest outdate is used first.  

Even though computerized you should have a backup system that allows you to identify previously encountered patients.  How will you know if there is a patient w special needs (irradiated, CMV=, etal).  Some places have a dedicated laptop which updates w patient info; I use paper records.  I'd worry more about the special needs than if I need another specimen.  (if you used a barrier protection ID you wouldn't need a 2nd specimen).

We require one blood type per registration for all of the reasons stated above.  We also have encountered a few patients with identical first and last names and similar dates of birth that kept getting merged together.  We caught it each time because of their different blood types.

Let me play the devils advocate when it comes to using the historical type. What happens if the patient is not really the patient that the original ABO was performed on? What about the times when the ID number is bought and used by multiple people especially where there is a large community of people who are not necessarily legal to be here?
For these reasons and a few more, we require a current type.

Great point.  I worked at a large facility.  We had multiple users of Medicare IDs.  Noticed when the "same" person came for prenatal work - but had different blood types.  We knew they were sharing cards.

We change all batteries annually while we are doing the QA on them so it's not likely that a battery will fail during the year.  However, things do happen and I agree with exlimely, if you do have to change or replace (say it fell out for some reason) a battery, then a 'calibration' would be prudent.
Also, we are not talking high precision here, i.e. wider acceptability range than a pipette would be, i.e. testing is done in ranges of time, not exact seconds.  This 'calibration' is just a simple check up to make sure the timer isn't totally out of range.  Most of the time, the error is the readout gets 'broken', not the accuracy of the timer.

We change all batteries annually while we are doing the QA on them so it's not likely that a battery will fail during the year.  However, things do happen and I agree with exlimely, if you do have to change or replace (say it fell out for some reason) a battery, then a 'calibration' would be prudent.
Also, we are not talking high precision here, i.e. wider acceptability range than a pipette would be, i.e. testing is done in ranges of time, not exact seconds.  This 'calibration' is just a simple check up to make sure the timer isn't totally out of range.  Most of the time, the error is the readout gets 'broken', not the accuracy of the timer.

We validated using Anti-C3 in a Neutral Gel card.

We validated using Anti-C3 in a Neutral Gel card.

Yes on every question except the 2u limit.
If we have verified the ABO Group and we need to use 'incompatible' plasma (i.e. emergency), we use our Emergency Release Protocol, e.g. MD signs for it.
If you want to view our policy, please message me.

Yes on every question except the 2u limit.
If we have verified the ABO Group and we need to use 'incompatible' plasma (i.e. emergency), we use our Emergency Release Protocol, e.g. MD signs for it.
If you want to view our policy, please message me.

We use PeG as our routine backup for solid phase testing. However, there is a place for LISS in our tool kit. If we have an antibody consistent with a warm auto and the patient has never been transfused, we use LISS to decrease sensitivity to get under the warm auto. If the LISS screen is negative and AHG crossmatch is compatible, we transfuse those units. We also see panreactivity in some OB and Onc patients both with solid phase and PeG. We run a solid phase panel - if panreactive, we switch to LISS following the same process we use for the warm auto.

As a neophyte blood banker we read everything under the scope (early 70s - it was SOP).  Then took a job and worked w a very experienced blood banker (she was on a first name basis w Laurie Marsh, the Moulds' , and more of the NY blood ctr crew).  I'd ask her to look at weak agglutination (probably your kissing cells) - her response was if I wanted to call it positive - go ahead. she wouldn't.  Weaned myself off the scope after that.  I think all new BBers go thru that. 
I also liked exlimey's statement about "playing" with different types of enhancements.  I still do.  For me, that's the interesting stuff in BB.  Like those DAT cards I rec'd.  Wish I could get them in the USA.

I would say no as not sendng a high risk form doesn't affect the potency, safety or purity of the product. One could say not having the doctor sign the form affects the safety  because perhaps they won't watch the transfusion more closely than usual but should the transfusion still be monitored ? Anyway you could always submit a deviation just to cover the BB behind, if it isn't  reportable the FDA will  let you know. This I know as I have filed reports that were questionable to file or not to file and received notification that it wasn't .
But  the non-conformance (not following the SOP) should be reported in whatever way the lab reports their errors internally. 

We switched to Rhophylac here in the hospital because 'everyone' likes having the option of giving the dose IM or IV.
The MD's are still using RhoGam (no IV option) for their office injections (IM Only), e.g. Antenatal/Antepartum dose.

I validate the probe thermometer with my NIST thermometer (2x/yr) - in all my storage devices.  Have not used an internal thermometer in years.  Never had a problem with CAP or AABB inspections.

I would pull the unit from inventory and contact the supplier. They should have the resources to investigate the problem with the donor.

Inspectors are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.
I tend to agree with those who put forth do what you are comfortable doing for validation and/or QC.   If you, your staff and pathologists are ok with your process then an Inspector (AABB or CAP) can have an opinion but they cannot tell you to stop or defend a deficiency.   If your documentation has merit then you have a strong case of how you use your expired red cells or antisera for the care of your patients.   We all do the best we can with what we have to work with.
 

'Liquid Plasma' is never frozen so there's no need to thaw it therefore the outdate is not changed.
'Thawed Plasma' is the 5 Day product which results from Thawing Frozen Plasma (in all it's various forms, FFP, FP24, etc.).
Note: When Frozen Plasma is thawed, it is assigned a 24hr outdate.  You can extend that outdate to 5 Days IF you label it 'Thawed Plasma'.
e.g. Frozen FFP is thawed to Fresh Frozen Plasma (24h outdate).  You can leave it that way or change it to 'Thawed Plasma' (no FFP designation) and assign a 5 Day outdate to it.  Most hospitals, if they go that route, just label it 'Thawed Plasma' with a 5 Day outdate immediately after it's thawed.  (One Step vs Two Steps)
Note:  I'm using USA FDA rules, I don't know what they do in other countries.