Maureen

I was in your position a few years back, attempting to update an outdated microbiology procedure, and now follow the procedure from the AABB Technical Manual. I considered discontinuing this infrequently ordered test and sending the orders to our Reference Lab, however they offered to send comparative samples for PT, which we implemented. My most recent AABB/CAP assessor was pleased with the process and outcome.

We use the Thermo Clinifuge, spin for 5 minutes, which we reduced from 10 a few months ago. Specimens are routinely tested on the Immucor Echo analyzers. We're in compliance with the vendor/manufacturer's requirements.

AABB has published Standards for Perioperative Autologous Blood Collection and Administration. Our Surgical Services and Txn Med Quality Committee found these standards helpful when updating our interoperative processes. Similar organization to Txn Med Standards, including labeling, process control, documentation, and QC measures

I have a 'Supervisory Review' form, one page per month, which has check off columns for specific tasks (and a corresponding SOP). On this form I record the ECHO batch # of each QC run when I (or a designee) review them. I track the RS3 & Indicator cells for my own purposes. I don't print them out, but they are archived with the patient data, so I can retrieve it when requested. I include the 'Supervisory Review' form with other QC documentation for retention and retrieval. I've attaché d a copy of the spreadsheet. Txn Med Supervisory Review Monthly Checklist.xlsx

If you are an Immucor customer, with your customer number you can access their LEARN online modules. Most provide PACE credits. Our lab techs find it can be challenging in the beginning to get access to their website, but the learning modules are very good.

Enjoy a fantastic retirement ~~

Our 1st ECHO is approximately 7 years old, and running very well.

Hello Malcolm - from your text it seems that the 'usual UK practice' needs to shift. Fortunately the proposed CAP reg does not require use of type O, only requiring a serological crossmatch. Re: preventing a LIS from permitting an electronic/computer crossmatch I suggest creating a placeholder 'antibody' for the requirement, which can be set to disallow. This antibody could be deleted when the requirement is resolved (awkward but possible).

Our Lab has a 'Documentation of Verbal Orders' - policy and form (available as Log Books), which the blood bank techs follow as needed. Like most labs we strongly encourage transfusion orders to be placed by the provider, nurse or trained patient services personnel, but we will accept and order as necessary.

In Cerner there are two Computer Crossmatch options. One requires you 'order' a crossmatch, then 'result' as a computer crossmatch which updates the rbc status to crossmatched and generates a crossmatch tag. We don't use this option, except for scheduled downtimes. Our preferred process is, as described previously by pbaker to computer crossmatch dispense in one process, capturing the all required information in real time (but we don't have the tools to scan employee badges, so we type). We now have a customized Transfusion Tag, on which we record the date & time dispensed, and sign. The transporter signs the tag when they handoff the blood to the transfusionist.

Thank you Malcolm, for traveling so far and sharing your expertise with us, and thank you to Phil as well ~~ it was an excellent convention ~~ Save the date, the 2018 70th Annual Convention is April 24th through the 26th ~~

We’re excited ~~ the 69th ASCLS-CNE Annual Convention’s speaker program is now available on the web ~ the site is open for online registration Providence is a great city to visit in the spring – and this is an excellent opportunity for networking and learning. Feel free to share this link www.ascls-cne.org/annual-convention to view the program and register!

We do not repeat the Type or Screen post delivery when it has been done on this admission. We do perform the Fetal Screen (Immucor FMH RapidScreen/KB if indicated).

Before we implemented electronic crossmatch we changed our retype protocol. We perform a full front and back type when we perform a patient Retype.

Thanks for letting us know ~~ I noticed them, but didn't realize it could be a game ~~