ISBT Terminology

[Dawn]

We are considering a switch to ISBT terminology for reporting antigens and antibodies.

Does anyone out there have experience with this, most specifically with using this terminology in a lab computer system?

Are there any computer systems out there that can handle antigen typings that look like "Rh:-1, -2, -3, 4, 5" rather than "D Neg, C Neg, E Neg, c Pos, e Pos"? All the computer systems I have worked with see each antigen as a separate entity rather than part of a system.

[Richard Kriozere]

I suggest you contact Pat Distler at pat.distler@iccbba.com. She is tech. director for the ICCBBA. There will be a standard adopted as part of the US Consensus Standard ( see Draft Version 2.0 Appendix "G"; paragraph 3.5.8 " Special Testing Red Blood Cell Antigens). Our company's Hema Trax on-demand ISBT128 labeling software will incorporate an 18 digit antigen bar code in the date and time bar code quadrant when our next version is ready. Most of the Blood Bank management systems here in US have our Hema Trax interfaced with their product.

Who is your blood bank system vendor?

Richard

[Dawn]

We are in the process of implementing Mediware.

[Richard Kriozere]

Thanks for the information on Mediware. You will be glad to know that their HCLL now includes our Hema Trax license and will print all ISBT128 Standards compliant labels. A future version will include an Antigen bar code once adopted by the ICCBBA, approved by FDA and included in US Consensus Standard. Digi-Trax will make part of HCLL for Mediware.

Richard

[Dawn]

Okay, so now I am making the connection. Digi-trax makes the chip that goes in the Zebra printers that print blood product labels for HCLL, right?

[Richard Kriozere]

The special Zebra Z4M-BB model does have special ISBT128 firmware and is available exclusively from Mediware. You may contact Digi-Trax for any assistance by calling 800-356-6126.

Richard