[Retention of "Pick-up" Slips]

We keep the pick- up slips for three months.

[TRALI investigation]

We had a discussion with our medical director while developing a policy for severe transfusion reaction investigations, and she mentioned that reactions that appear to be TRALI actually turn out to be TACO (transfusion associated circulatory overload). Not being a physician, I cannot elaborate on the details, but thought it may help.

[Donor Incentives]

We include all donors who register to donate-- this practice makes for better PR. A slip with the donor unit number is placed is created at the time of registration by a staff member.

[Rheumatoid Arthritis]

I am trying to gather some information regarding deferral policies for rheumatoid arthritis. We currently are deferring donors with this medical condition. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Communication in the blood bank]

We have a white board in each of 3 areas: front room, where we accession samples, orders and issue product; component manufacturing area; and crossmatch/ compatibility testing area. The white boards are effective for us, the log book was not.

[QNS rates]

We currently use trip scales, but have purchased the Hemoflow automated mixers for implementation in the near future.

[QNS rates]

I am from Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank located in Hummelstown, PA.

[QNS rates]

I am interested in the percentage of QNS whole blood collections that other blood centers are encountering, if anyone is willing to share. We had 81 QNS collections from 2709 donor phlebotomies in July (3%). Just wondering how we compare. Thanks for any input.

[Lot number of scrubs]

Just curious how other donor centers are recording/ tracking the lot numbers of scrubs used during arm preparation-- any input would be helpful. Thanks!

[Eligibility for Grave's and Hashimoto's Diseases]

Our region is currently debating whether or not to accept donors with Grave's or Hashimoto's Diseases. At the moment, we are deferring donors because the diseases are autoimmune. I'd appreciate any info regarding other facilities' eligibility policies. Thanks!