Gloria Lucchese

We use the electronic crossmatch.

We have 7 stations and they all QC their rack everyday. Panels are parallel tested against a know antibody upon arrival.

NO, we don't use them.

No! No!

Twice on same sample by same tech

Our triggers are hgb of 8 and HCT of 24.

Not all patients have indications for leukoreduced units. It is practicing medicine and I feel we need to leave that in the hands of the physician to order the appropriate products. Red Cross went 100% before they could deliver the products. After a year, they now say it isn't indicated in all cases. Also, you can't charge for a product that is not needed.

We have Centron. They calibrate the temp probes annually. They do not want anyone else to test them. So, I agree with you.

There is an article in "Transfusion" volume 45, April 2005 that indicates that" Bacterial contamination of pooled PLT concentrates was not related to clinically significant transfusion reactions. Despite negative screening for bacterial contamination, life-threatening transfusion transmitted infections by contaminated PLT pool products can still occur." I'm wondering how many lives we've saved by doing bacterial testing.

If we have a historical type, we only do 1 ABORH. If CAP requires 2 specimens that would cause unnecessary traume to the patients and the BB. How do you get reimbursed for doing 1 test twice. CAP needs to be moe realistic.

Losing the revenue was a concern. I believe we will soon see some reimbursement for electronic crossmatch. Ours is a labor issue. The electronic crossmatch allows us to get blood out the door quickly. It really is a labor savings tool. If you are like us, you aren't going to get new FTE, so this is a valuable tool.

We do electronic crossmatches