GGEHRKE

HI Deb: We use the Genesis collection mixers in our fixed site and our mobiles and love them. They are light weight and accurate when weighing. Since they are on the small side, we have bought small stools to place them on next to the beds so the staff doesn't have to bend as much. We have had some sensor problems and problems with the clamp which is just wear and tear of the product and easily repaired. In a years time I would say, 3 of my ten Genesis Collection mixers had had these issues and they are the ones we take out to mobiles. I just think that all the moving and occassional drop or shifting in the van has been contributory to these problems. Over all, we love them and would recommend them for use.

We are a hospital based donor program and we collect Directed/Designated units. Although we do not have many directed donations annually we do offer that option to our patients. Most often, we will see directed donations for our NICU patients or if an autologous patient can't donate. To answer some of your questions: We do not charge the family or donors for collections since we have the ability to cross the units over to general inventory. The patient is charged the fees for transfusion. We have a special form that the doctor must fill out which indicated the number of units desired, diagnosis and when the transfusion is needed. On the reverse of the form is a section for the patient or designee to sign. It basically outlines what happenes to directed units. (i.e if not compatable with the patient will be released to general inventory) Once this form is signed it is used for as many directed donations the patient/family send. It is only good for the length of the current admission. The donation bags are tagged with a yellow tag. At the bottom of the tag is a tear off section which goes to the patient. They are to give these tags to the floor nurse who will attach them to the patients medical record. This way the floor is aware there may directed units for the patient.

Sure I will share! Send me your email address and I will forward file. It is a word document format.

We are a hospital based Donor Center. Our Bio-Med department does not calibrate manual B/P Cuffs since the rest of the hospital uses the electronic type. We too were in the same situation with having to get rid of all mercury cuffs. To satifsfy the requirement of annual calibration, I contacted the Manufacturer of the Sphygmomanometer. They have a service whereby for a fee they will calibrate the units and send a certificate of calibration good for one year. The company is American Diagnostics and they will do this for any of the cuffs they manufacture. The cost is $50 per unit. That is high considering that to buy a new one (if the present one is not a zero) is much less. The company did indicate to me that if we wanted to do it ourselves there is a company called Yokogawa that sells a digital reference unit (MT-10). But that unit will require annual calibration by a third party such as MCS calibration in Holbrook, NY. There may be other companies like MCS which many come to your facility for a fee (of course) to do onsite calibration. I am hopeful this will satisfy the FDA requirements. I would like to know though, since it is less costly to purchase a new sphygmomanometer if the one you use does not register at zero when not in use, if you keep a log of serial numbers and in and out dates (for one year) if that would be acceptable. Does anyone do similar?