DPruden

First of all, welcome to this marvellous site, and NEVER, EVER apologise for a lack of knowledge; we all had to start somewhere!
Almost all, but not absolutely all, samples of anti-M contain an element of IgM, whilst about 78% contain an element of IgG.  A small percentage of these will, in effect, be only IgG.
Be a bit careful of your terminology.  It is true that the molecule upon which the M antigen is located (glycophorin A) is amongst the most abundant protein found on the red cell membrane, but both M and its allelomorph (or antithetical antigen) N are both polymorphic, rather than high prevalence.
The amino acids that form the M antigen are at the extreme external end of the glycophorin A molecule, which makes them available to the antibody.  So, the M antigen can be present in abundance and are readily sensitised.
IgG anti-M (and anti-N, come to that), are not unique in causing agglutination without a potentiator; IgG ABO antibodies can also do this.  If you have a cord sample from a baby suffering from ABO HDN, and it is stored in the fridge over night, you can often see agglutination in the sample the following morning.  This cannot be an IgM ABO antibody formed in the baby, and so it must be a maternal antibody.  However, IgM antibodies cannot pass through the placenta, and so the ABO antibody present, causing the agglutination, must be a maternal ABO IgG antibody.
If the reverse grouping cells are M+, particularly if they are M+N-, and the patient's plasma contains an anti-M, this will cause agglutination.  SO, if the patient is group A, but the reverse grouping A1 cells also happen to be M+N-, the group A patient will appear to have an anti-A in his/her plasma.
I hope that helps a bit.

Nope, never did any QC on panels.  Could not see the sense in it.  How could you possibly test for all the antigens!!  As Malcolm says above, "You have to stop somewhere!"  I chose not to start. 

Thank you Dianna, and it was great to meet so many PathLabTalk people - and put faces to names!

I thoroughly enjoyed both of your presentations, Malcolm!  and it was nice to meet Dr. Pepper in person!  Cheers to the blood bankers of the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of your presentations, Malcolm!  and it was nice to meet Dr. Pepper in person!  Cheers to the blood bankers of the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of your presentations, Malcolm!  and it was nice to meet Dr. Pepper in person!  Cheers to the blood bankers of the world.

Found early mornings and evenings are best.   A martini in hand doesn't hurt either.

That is wonderful!  I am putting it on my calendar and will try to get to the conference. 

I think that a lot of this "fixing problems that don't exist" stems from the change with CMS/CLIA when they combined all the subsections.  Immunohematology used to be separate, but now we are lumped in with Chemistry and Heme, and CMS can't quite get that blood bank is different.  Just my opinion.

It's a CAP checklist item.
TRM.42650 Monitored Temperature  The temperature of refrigerators is monitored in a manner that will mimic the temperature characteristics of a component stored in the device.
NOTE: For example, placement of the temperature sensor probe in liquid with heat transfer characteristics similar to blood, and a volume similar to the smallest units stored, is recommended, but other procedures are also acceptable. The correct placement for the temperature sensor is controversial. Some experts recommend leaving the sensor exposed to air, some recommend enclosing it in liquid, and some recommend enclosing it in an aluminum block.

We decided to stick with the Safe-T-Vue 10 indicators for our OR coolers.  Our logic behind this decision was our coolers for "storage" are validated to 1-6C and if the units remain in the cooler, we know the temperature will be maintained between 1-6C.  If the units aren't in the cooler, then they are in transport, and the indicator will show any temperature excursions above 10C.  We have had AABB, CAP, and FDA inspections and no one has had an issue with our logic. 

We decided to stick with the Safe-T-Vue 10 indicators for our OR coolers.  Our logic behind this decision was our coolers for "storage" are validated to 1-6C and if the units remain in the cooler, we know the temperature will be maintained between 1-6C.  If the units aren't in the cooler, then they are in transport, and the indicator will show any temperature excursions above 10C.  We have had AABB, CAP, and FDA inspections and no one has had an issue with our logic. 

I think that a lot of this "fixing problems that don't exist" stems from the change with CMS/CLIA when they combined all the subsections.  Immunohematology used to be separate, but now we are lumped in with Chemistry and Heme, and CMS can't quite get that blood bank is different.  Just my opinion.

That is wonderful!  I am putting it on my calendar and will try to get to the conference. 

In order to have a 7 day platelet, it has to be tested on the day of transfusion, so I would think that it would be difficult for blood suppliers to manage that process.

I think that a lot of this "fixing problems that don't exist" stems from the change with CMS/CLIA when they combined all the subsections.  Immunohematology used to be separate, but now we are lumped in with Chemistry and Heme, and CMS can't quite get that blood bank is different.  Just my opinion.

I think that a lot of this "fixing problems that don't exist" stems from the change with CMS/CLIA when they combined all the subsections.  Immunohematology used to be separate, but now we are lumped in with Chemistry and Heme, and CMS can't quite get that blood bank is different.  Just my opinion.

I think that a lot of this "fixing problems that don't exist" stems from the change with CMS/CLIA when they combined all the subsections.  Immunohematology used to be separate, but now we are lumped in with Chemistry and Heme, and CMS can't quite get that blood bank is different.  Just my opinion.

I think that a lot of this "fixing problems that don't exist" stems from the change with CMS/CLIA when they combined all the subsections.  Immunohematology used to be separate, but now we are lumped in with Chemistry and Heme, and CMS can't quite get that blood bank is different.  Just my opinion.

This is a fun drug (I really need a sarcastic font!).  We have added a order into the HIS order sets for multiple myeloma diagnoses to include a molecular genotype before the drug is initiated.  Hopefully, that will help!

I am the BB lead here and we are using the product for traumas and MTPs. The liquid plasma has up to a 26 day outdate and is ready for issue with no modification. It is FDA licensed as of this June 2015 and stability of coag factors are very similar to FFP. Very nice product, sent 3 units out the door today within 5 min of the request for a GI bleed. So far, no issues. The American Red Cross blood centers are now processing this product as well as Blood Works NorthWest. American Red Cross requires a standing order. The product is approximately half the price of a unit of FFP. We pay $xx/unit. Since we have started carrying it, we have wasted about 8-12 units using only 4 so far. The challenge has been to get our docs on board with any new product or process because we also only carry A in the liquid plasma. Hope this helps.

My own copy is signed by both authors.  How much is that worth????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We narrowed it down to the same two companies.  I went with SafeTrace on the advice of my Quality Officer.  It is a very 'locked down' system, and many of the staff don't like that.  Softbank is more user friendly.  If I had to choose a new system right now, I would probably go with HCLL.

NO!! Mutiny would ensue should we require they be worn at all times.  Lab coats, gloves, yes, but not shields.

We inspected a hospital last year where everyone was wearing masks with upwards face shields.  I would have to quit if I worked there due to claustrophobia!