Gel hemolysis

[jchp]

We use Ortho MTS gel cards. The last few weeks it seems that the gel cards are showing slight hemolysis as often as not. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced that?

I think the screen cells (ortho) get worse the older they get. We keep the cells cool and protected from light, but when I use the fresher ones the hemolysis is not as bad. We are also getting "fuzzier" negative reactions, where there is diffuse (slight pink haze) in the column that becomes at least a partial ring at the top.

Have you had these experiences ? Do you prefer another brand of gel cards/ screen cards?

Thank you for any help

j

[Liz]

We had this problem and changed brands.

The new brand will be available in the US this year.

[David Saikin]

Have had no problems with my Ortho gel cards (IgG, Buffered, ABD reverese, ABD, AB) . . . Also, my experience is that the Ortho cells never show hemolysis in the vials . . . and I keep some of their cells for 3 months.

Edited January 5, 2011 by David Saikin
added info

[blarney]

We have not experienced problems with hemolysis in the 0.8% reagent red cells. We do see a fair amount of a fuzzy, light pinkish haze due to rouleaux, which we confirm by tube testing and saline replacement.

[rravkin@aol.com]

I have not experienced this problem with the Ortho Gel Cards. I would suggest you check your card storage temp and make sure they are not stored in direct heat; also check your centrifuge, specifically the carracel and make sure it is seated properly. Have you called your Ortho tech rep?

[Mabel Adams]

If this only happened for a few weeks, you might consider whether your cells were somehow damaged or contaminated in transit or storage. At least spin down a couple of drops of the cells and see if they are hemolyzed before you put them in the cards.