[Fetal Maternal Hemorrhage screening methods]

Decades ago we used the weak D (Du) as part of our testing for FMH, but that was in the early 1970's.

I did this too....and to further date myself, I went to a seminar where the rosetting technique was first described........before there WAS a kit!

[Calling all ECHO users]

we have been seeing the positive screen, negative panel more just recently. Is there something about the last couple of lot #s that's different???

[Unit segments]

We also pull a segment at the time of receipt. However, we seldom have to use them becausee we require that the bag and tubing, but not the needle, be returned to us when a reaction is suspected. We can pull a segment from the bag and examine the bag for discoloration, additives, etc. I suppose we would only use the saved segment for a delayed hemolytic reaction because we don't ask that all bags are returned.

We remove 2 segments on receipt and mark it with a DIN sticker, place in a biohazard bag dated with date of receipt and latest OD of all segments. It has been an aid in working up a delayed transfusion reaction, because we could still access the segments. In reality you don't need them that often and the computer tells you which baggie to look in.

[Igloo Coolers and Dry Ice- Any Experience/Issues?]

we have surgeons who insist on having a range of sizes of frozen bone in the OR until they "decide" which size they need. Some pieces get issued and returned 10-20 times without being used. I think this must compromise the integrity of pieces- where can I find proof OR maybe that's ok. Thanks for any help

[CORD blood ABO/RH]

I am in favor of only testing cord blood of Rh neg mothers. Our hospital also tests the cord blood of group O mothers, which the doctors would not give up even when given documentation that it is not necessary.

There is an ABC bulletin that states: "In a workup for anemia, there is no need to perform DATs on all infants of either Rh negative or group O mothers because the test often is positive (passive from RhoGam or anti-A, and has a very low predictive value for hemolytic disease of the newborn" Reference: http://www.americasblood.org/download/File/bulletin_v8_n3.pdf

You can see all their bulletins at http://www.americasblood.org/go.cfm?do=Page.View&pid=74

I'm showing this to some of our people-we still have to do an eluate on all positive DAT's and I can tell you the outcome before I run it!!! The Docs just won't let go. I know a neighboring institution just reports out as presumptive evidence of _____.

To the OP: we do cords from all neg moms and alot of O moms. Rarely a symtomatic A or B

[Missed Kells on Echo]

We have a relatively new Kell (Nov) on a multiply transfused pt. It shows 2+ in gel and not on the Echo-or manual Capture backup. We assume it's because it is IgM, so I agree it misses some.

[Trauma Specimens]

We maintain a lifetime medical record number for our patients in a 3 hospital system, but Traumas get a new MR at admit and it can't be merged with their original # until discharge. We don't use any blood bank wristband system.

[Fetal Bleed Screen - false positive's]

I haven't seen a problem-my last positive had a matching K-B stain, but I will keep pH in mind if anything develops, thanks

[Immucor's ECHO machine]

Anyone?????

[Immucor's ECHO machine]

Our Echo arrived last month, validations are done on it. We have manual Capture as backup. As training is progressing, we are finding manual readings seem to be weaker than the machine. Anyone else see that? I think it's partly that the machine mixes samples better than the tap tap tap that we were taught was adequate by the immucor trainer. Any thoughts?