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We have recently switched from using the Ortho ProVue to the BioRad tango Optimo. With this, we have encountered some issues. The tango does not pick up Du on the routine ABO/Rh strip. The ProVue ABO/Rh card does. So, we have had a lot of discrepant Rh types since we have started using the tango. We use the Quotient D Blend as our serologic reagent, which does pick up Du at immediate spin, as well as Du & D6 at IAT. In the last week we have had two OB patients type as Rh negative both on the tango and at immediate spin with the Quotient D blend. On one patient, the nurse called and stated that the patient had a history of being Rh Positive in their prenatal workup that was done at another lab. On the other patient, their Rh type was not questioned until their Fetal Bleed Screen was performed and was macroscopically positive. Both were testing through IAT with the Quotient D blend and with the Ortho ABO/Rh gel card (manual method) and were found to be Rh positive. I feel like when we run into these patients with discrepant types, we are chasing our tails testing by 3 methods to confirm their Rh type and am wondering if there is a better way/process? What does your facility do for routine D testing? What about Du testing? We typically only perform Du testing on Rh negative babies born to Rh negative mothers and of course when an investigation is needed like the above situations. Any wisdom is great appreciated! TIA!

We have been using Ortho Gel since 2008 we have serviced our Tipmaster pipettes several times. We are needing something new has anyone used the Vista Ovations for Ortho Gel or have another suggestion. Thanks.

Hello, I currently use Gel as my primary method. A tech on the weekend got the following: 3 cell screen: 2+ for all Gel panel A (11 cells) 1+ and 2+ reactions with the exception of 2 cells and the Auto control that were neg. Gel panel B (11 cells) 1+ and 2+ reactions with the exception of 3 cells that were neg. No pattern of single, multiple, multiples with dosage. Wells appeared to have thin sheet on the top of the column. Tube method immediate spin revealed Rouleaux and AHG results were negative. Saline Rep was done at immediate spin and reactions were removed. Is this a good enough, to prove that Rouleaux is causing the reactions in Gel? What would you recommend to indicate reactions are Rouleaux and not something else? Thanks, -Serafin

I am in the market for new pipettes to use with my MTS-gel system. I currently have 2 old Tipmaster pipettes that Ortho sold us with the gel system. I have seen a brochure on the Ovation Vista adjustable pipette. It looks pretty cool and is ergonomically correct, which would be great for one of my techs who has a little bit of arthritis. Is anyone using this? If so, how do you like it? I am also considering the Biohit, but I have seen some bad reviews of this one (breaks down too soon) and it's more expensive than the Ovation and the Tipmaster. Thanks, Amelia

Have you found a good alternative pipette for the Ortho Gel system other than the Ortho approved Biohit pipette? If so, what make, model, and programming do you use. Walter