Cellano

Hi Liz, Your point is well made, but there is nothing wrong with continuing with Gel as your manual method even if the automation was capture. You would get the best of both (Igg and Igm) worlds ! My point really is not to restrict yourself on choice based on the technology alone. Phil

Hi Liz, Although I have worked for IBG Immucor in the UK, I am not here to promote any particular technology, however, I can say that there are many UK transfusion labs that have moved to Capture technology without any problems, and are happy with the results. Transition to a different technology should not be discounted on the basis of the perceived learning curve alone, it is not as daunting as it sometimes seems.

Jalomahe, There are a few Neo's operational in the UK at present. There is also a Galileo users group (including Neo). I can put you in touch with a Neo user if it's usefull and with the users group. Phil

Hi Liz, You might want to consider the Immucor Galileo Echo (depending on your work load). It can handle around 100 samples per working day and has proved reliable in the UK. It has a reasonably standard ASTM interface data format and works in full host query mode if required. If you need any more information just ask. For a higher sample throughput Immucor now have the Galileo Neo which is the next generation machine up from the Galileo's Colin has. They offer more reliability and shorter screening times. Keep in mind though, you are restricted to capture technology for screens with all Immucor products, and liquid phase plate technology for groups. Phil

A good description of the Echo from mjshepherd. As an aside, the Echo is capable of uni-directional, bi-directional and full host query operation and uses a pretty standard ASTM file protocol for all interface data exchanges (query, order and result files) via RS232 serial, TCP/IP sockets or TCP/IP flat file transfer. For ease of use and full automation, host query should be adopted which works well and is easy to use on the Echo. Selection of the type of interface is accomplished through a few basic settings in a configuration file. If TCP/IP is used via the hospital network, It should be noted that Anti-Virus software should not be used on the Echo as it has been shown to interfere with its performance. Because of this we used to install a hardware firewall between the Echo PC and the hospital network minimizing the need for AV software on the Echo hence avoiding issues. Phil

It takes a day to install and run the IQ and OQ procedures assuming all goes well. The interface installation usualy takes longer, so although installed there is usualy a delay in it's routine use, but it does mean validation can begin pretty quickly. Phil

Hi all, I used to interface Galileo's and Echo's to a variety of host systems in the UK. I would be happy to answer any questions relating to interfacing these machines. Phil