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Fluffy agglutinates

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Posts posted by Fluffy agglutinates

  1. Hi, does anyone know if these guys are still operating? I tried their web site but got a message stating the server couldn't be located.

    I emailed them a few weeks a go (when the web site was working!) to ask when the new edition would be available but I didn't get a reply.

    I was hoping to get the new edition of the book & some flashcards...:cries:

    Thanks

  2. The description gives 3 reasons for requesting a 'Super Coombs'. For what it is worth here are my opinions...

    Reason 1: A medic should not need a positive DAT to confirm AIHA!

    Reason 2: Repeat your DAT using unwashed patient cells (it's not rocket science is it?)

    Reason 3: Use monoclonal reagents that will directly detect IgA & IgM (i.e. anti-IgA & anti-IgM).

  3. A lot of our lab staff use e-KSF to record their training. I find this very useful. Unfortunately an awful lot of people do not use this for a variety of reasons! Lab staff at least have a 'named' folder where all their training records should go. Hopefully it's all tied together with a yearly PDR...

    It's very difficult to get people to understand that they have to be responsible for their own training isn't it! Very similar to CPD (You mean I have to do it myself? etc, etc)

    Malcolm - completely agree with you. These national documents are a complete joke! When I first started the SOPs had a nice story at the begining explaing WHY you needed to do the task followed by HOW. A much more satisfying approach when being trained I think.

  4. Glad it was of use to you!

    This extract is taken from our 'how to update your GMP' page

    'Update Training

    Examples of how update training can be achieved:

    • Participation in the investigation of an adverse event/audit finding
    • Update modules – refer to Management Process Description
    • Re-completion of 6 modules
    • Completion of GMP - General Training Modules available on Training Tracker.

    All records of GMP Training must be recorded on GMP Training Record FRM14. Each Member of staff must maintain their own record and ensure that it is available for review by their manager.'

    However I don't particularly like the way our training is carried out! It's way too generic for me, I think people respond & understand much better when it's linked to their own area - I like your idea of using 'real events'. You could get lots of different angles on that from each person. I think repeating the original stuff just switches a lot of people off...

    We use something called training tracker which is basically read the info & then answer a short quiz afterwards. The passmark is 80%. I don't think it lends itself to effective training but hey-** that's what we do!

  5. Hi Rashmi,

    I work in NHSBT & everyone, everywhere has some level of GMP training or awareness. This is taken from our intranet - it might help a bit!

    What Training is required?

    There are three levels of GMP knowledge required by NHSBT staff:

    GMP Awareness - delivered as part of the Welcome Day for New Starters*

    GMP training for non Manufacturing/Manufacturing staff

    Update Training

    * Members of staff who work in GMP areas should also receive an Introduction to GMP before they commence work in GMP areas.

    The level of GMP training suitable for any post is determined and approved by Quality Assurance, according to the nature of the job. All training materials are approved and monitored by the Quality Assurance department. Refer to MPD14 – Management of GMP Training for further information. All records of GMP Training must be recorded on GMP Training Record FRM14. Each Member of staff must maintain their own record and ensure that it is available for review by their manager.

  6. Sorry but it sounds as if your physicians are asking for a 'long stand'!

    Both Polyspec & anti-IgG reagents can detect as little as 150 molecules of IgG bound to a single cell. Do you know why they are asking you to detect a level lower than this?

    If an antibody is suspected & your DAT is neg it can be worth doing an elution - you may still find something.

    AIHA can present with neg DATs - it shouldn't be a surprise to them.

    There isn't really any such thing as a normal DAT result.

  7. Hi Erica, Hope this band of reprobates haven't put you off! :confused:

    I (like the others) have not heard of this term before. Can you explain a bit more for us?

    Do you mean after you've done the polyspecific DAT (using AHG) you want to be able to perform monoclonal testing i.e. using anti-IgG, anti-C3, etc? If so then it is very easy but usually comes down to cost, especially if you then send away any IgG positives for elution anyway (as these tests are very expensive to justify if you don't get many on a regular basis).

    p.s. Malcolm did you mean suPPer date? :chew:

  8. I always thought this was the transfusion equivalent of an urban myth - give a small amount to the patient, wait a few minutes, take a fresh sample, spin & look for haemolysis in the plasma!

    If anything, this would only pick up ABO incompatibility & I would not want my immune response tested in this way!!!

    Seriously does anyone actually do this? I think it would lead to a false sense of security.

    Also heard it called a 'biological crossmatch'

  9. You could try using a microwave? I'm not a fan myself but some people love this method.

    The kits are expensive I agree. One way we used to lessen the cost was to use PBS to wash the cells rather than the wash solution provided in the kit (which was always the first thing to run out).

  10. Thanks! We do have feedback forms at the end of the course & it is generally very well received. However when we ask the attendees whether they'd like to have a more formal assessment a lot of them state it would put them off attending! I think it would be beneficial for them & I'm sure their managers would approve too.

    If it was one of your staff you were sending what sort of assessment would you like to see if possible?

    I'm thinking the last day's practical could be 'marked' & returned to them in the post. We could also squeeze in an MCQ/ short-answer quiz (treated as open-book, so they could use all their notes from the week).

    I really appreciate your input on this.

    Also, we have just introduced a 'components awareness' 1/2 day course and we run a 'transfusion matters' day which covers the patient end of things. We're trying to establish a series of modular courses run through the year that staff can attend more easily & pick & chose the subjects when they need them.

  11. The intended audience is defined as:

    - Healthcare scientist trainees and hospital multi-disciplinary pathology scientists requiring basic transfusion science laboratory knowledge / skills

    - Healthcare scientists with limited knowledge of blood transfusion science or who are returning to work from a career break

    The aim of the course is:

    To provide an introduction to the underpinning knowledge of the routine practical techniques used within a transfusion laboratory, together with some basic practical experience or routine transfusion techniques.

    And

    By the end of the course you should be able to:

    -Perform basic ABO and RhD grouping by appropriate techniques and interpret results

    -Perform antibody screening by IAT and correctly identify those samples containing an irregular antibody

    -Perform basic IAT serological crossmatch and identify incompatible units as well as those suitable for transfusion

    The antigen typing is covered during the screening/ ident theory but isn't carried out practically until the compatibility prac the next day.

    Very open to suggestions!

  12. Currently I help to run a 5 day course which focuses on the transfusion basics. We are continually looking to improve the way we do this.

    What would/ do you look for in a training course? What would you love to see covered?

    At the moment the format is 2 lectures (or discussion type groups) in the morning followed by a hands-on practical session in the afternoon (to follow on from the morning's theory).

    We currently cover:

    Day 1: Lectures: 'antigens & antibodies'/ 'basic blood grouping techs'. Prac: ABO (in tubes)

    Day 2:Lectures: 'ABO system'/ 'Rh system'. Prac: Rh grouping (DCEce)

    Day 3: Lectures: 'Other blood group systems'/ 'Antibody screening & ID'. Prac: Antibody screening & ID

    Day 4: Lectures: 'From Donor to Door'/ 'Pre-transfusion testing'. Prac: Compatibility testing (ABO/D, screen, ident & crossmatch)

    Day 5: Lectures: 'Hazards of transfusion'/ 'Intro to HDFN'. Prac: Mum, Dad & baby samples for investigation of HDFN

    During incubation/ spin times in pracs we give out various pieces of data to interpret.

    We currently assess the attendees informally but need to make this more formal (for their benefit even though it puts them off attending!).

    We accommodate up to 12 people on each course & have 2 trainers available each day.

    We are looking to expand on the assessment part too.

    Any contributions from you guys would be much appreciated!:)

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