Norbert Ahrens

We use two Autovue Innova for typing and cross matching. We were not really aware of the systems quality at forehand, it is quite better than knew in advance. This is, however, in Germany, where the cards are not filled with gel, but with glass beads instead. Norbert Ahrens

Is this girl Vel-negative, and are there results of high-incidence antigen typing available?

We print listings of the remaining units occasionally, i.e. every few weeks for every department, and the responsible physician would investigate on the usage of the remaining units. These listings comprise usually one or two dozens of units. The retrieval is not among the favourite activities, but it is done. Is your laboratory information system prepared for this type of documentation? Yours, Norbert

The hosting site has some technical issues today. It should work, if you try it later. The forms are returned on a daily basis. That does not mean that all are returned the same day, some take about a week. Yours, Norbert

The form is obviously in German. I tried to put it here: https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D751217_816712_6790689 It is printed on special paper with a horizontal perforation line. The upper part goes to the patient's documentation, and the lower part is returned to the blood back. Yours, Norbert

There is an implemented full blood tracking in Germany for somewhat more than a decade, and it is realized by forms that have to be filled for every single unit by the physicians on the wards, emergency departments, OR and so on. These forms get sent back to the blood bank, where the usage gets documented electronically. Through the recent years we got a coverage of 98 to 100% of all units. Though laborious for the transfusing staff, this really helps to reduce wastage. Best regards, Norbert

Are the samples drawn with comparable techniques? Differences could result in incorrect platelet counts. The pH is said to be influenced by the agitation frequency. I have heard of blood banks that solved a similar phenomenon by reducing the frequency. Best regards, Norbert

I would like to hook up with you concerning the afore mentioned white papers. We had recently to choose between the platforms as they are available in Germany and use now the Ortho Gel as it is available in Europe. As we are still interested in comparisons, I would be very happy for a copy. Norbert

Doesn't need neighbors nor guinea pigs. We have patients with blood group A that get transfused with anti-A occasionally, i.e. anti-A in platelet concentrates. This is usually tolerated very well. Of course, the opposite is a different case. Patients with O don't tolerate RBC units blood group A easily…