AUDREY

Thank you so very much for all of your responses!! We are using Ortho Gel cards.

We are currently using Gel cards to perform our antibody screens and ID's.This works for most patients. We are thinking about going to the ABO/RH gel cards instead of our current tube testing method. I watched a demo of these cards and the process seemed cumbersome, especially when compared to the ease of Gel antibody testing. Money is tight and we will not be getting a Provue any time soon. I have read the posting on ABO/RH reverse discrepancies and I wonder how many of you are satisfied with the Gel ABO/RH process?? Is it as awkward as it seems or does it get better? thanks!

These are nurses you are dealing with. Enough said!

I have read all the responses.It is true that we all have staffing shortages which probably will not improve in the future.My supervisors state emphatically that errors cannot be blamed on fewer personnel. How many of you have only Blood bankers in your Blood Bank? I have 14 techs, all with varied skill levels and all generalists.The techs fresh out of school are on nights and the techs that have been here the longest are on dayshift.Sound familiar? How can I keep my generalists up to speed when they may only be in the Blood bank 4- 5 times per month?

Truer words were never spoken!!

Hi, AABB states that weak D testing must only be performed on neonates to determine Rhogam candidacy. That being said, how many facilities are still doing weak D's on all their patients? women of childbearing age?.We are having a problem picking up the weak anti-D reactions on immediate spin. Some of the weak D patients show weak 1+ reactions on immediate spin that become 2-3+ if carried through IgG.Is this a problem for anyone else?I worry that if the techs are missing these reactions, what are they missing on the IgG tube antibody screen and panel reactions. Suggestions are welcome.