[RBCto FFP ratio]

Our current policy states 6 RBC, 2 FFP, and one platelet; Cryo and Factor 7a on demand. We are in discussions to change to fewer RBCs, but don't yet have consensus on the new ratio. The OB/GYN population is the focus, but our new policy may distinguish between different patient population groups.

[Echo software update]

Our blood bank did the exact same thing. The regulators have us all well trained to use both belts and suspenders, just in case!

We just repeated the daily QC and 2 pts we had done just before the upgrade - put it all together and filed it. Makes us feel better.

[Do you require a second specimen from a different draw when you have no history for a pre-transfusion candidate?]

We require a second specimen from a different draw time if we have no previous history for RBC transfusions, using a computer crossmatch/dispense process. We have 2 exceptions; when there is an autologous donation available, and when the patient is type O. Otherwise, we immed spin crossmatch the autologous unit(s) or type O RBC.

Our LIS is set to generate a message to the patients' EMR when we do not have a historical ABO/Rh in our system, which initiates a new blood bank specimen collection by our pre-surgical team. For other transfusion patients we order a non-billed Patient Retype and use a hematology specimen collected at a different time, or send a phlebotomist to collect.

Kent Hospital, a Care New England facility, Rhode Island

[30 minutes for return blood and blood products]

Has anyone tried to use the Rapid Response Thermometer from MarketLab? http://www.marketlabinc.com/product.asp?strParents=1329,1584,1585&CAT_ID=1594&P_ID=4787&numSearchStartRecord=1

[FFP/Thawed Plasma Expiration and Pooling]

When you thaw to 5 day expiration is the expiration time 120 hours from thaw, or at 23:59 on the expiration date?

[Expired Panels]

We also keep any expired panels in a separate marked refrigerator. Periodically a very experienced blood banker will sort through the oldest panel sets, sequestering the rarest cells, and discarding the rest.

[How is everyone handling testing of random donor platelets?]

We had implemented 100% leukoreduction of whole blood (aka random) platelets in Pall RCPL bags prior to bacterial testing, so we implemented Pall BDS testing on these components. We produce and test between 100 and 160 platelets per day. This system works well for us.

We've been asked to participate in studies of pool, test and store, which we're doing, but the logistics are quite challenging, and we feel best suited for a transfusion service, not a blood center.

No doubt, implementation of 7 day platelet processes will significantly impact current practices.

[100% leukoreduced]

We are moving toward 100% irradiation, first we need another irradiator though. Is anyone considering that?

I've started to look into an additional irradiator, and CIS still services, but at this time cannot sell new units. They directed me to a Canadian firm, and I've heard very positive and very negative references regarding the performance of their equipment in place.

Any suggestions on where to get educated on this acquisition, beside the sales reps?

[Two great conferences in one]

Since this event has passed, can anyone delete obsolete info/ads?

This billboard won't be used if it wastes an individual's time.