KarenJ

It is set up so that everyone allowed to access it has a password, and is a secure site. Each hospital has a person who can enter antibodies as well. Since our supplier is also our reference lab, we have always sent specimens for identification to them, and they maintained a list of antibodies they had found. The patients are listed by name and date of birth.

We keep 2 O negs with tags and an uncrossed form ready at all times.

We don't give cards, but our blood center has an antibody registry and we enter antibodies on the site. Part of our history check includes checking the registry. We have found 3 patients with clinically significant antibodies on the site, and negative screens.

We have a prompt for either previous history or no previous history. By answering the tech is responsible for also checking the old card file, which is slowly going away, and our blood centers antibody registry.

We also strongly discourage it. There are extra fees associated with DD's. Once we explain that and the time frames, meeting all donor requirements etc, that usually is the end of it. Our doctors don't even offer it as an option, the patient has to ask about it.

When we did them, we also used large (60 cc) syringes and a large infusion bore infusion set with a double port stopcock. Now oncology does them, and I believe they use the syringe technique and bags when possible.

We use Sunquest, but the IS crossmatch detemines compatibility. When we have an incompatible IgG gel we have to result the IS as incompatible then deal with a QA failure. It is usually only a probel with warm autos.

We had an increase in punctured units and couldn't figure out what the problem was, this was experienced staff. It turned out the new filter sets nursing was using had longer spikes, and they were inserting at an angle. We did a flyer and reminded nursing not to lay it flat, end of problem.

I use the read first unread option and check it out when possible. I has been a great thread. Bravo Brenda, for coming up with it, and to all for posting the unbelieveable things that happen.

We used to do them, but after a patient had a bad reaction to the whole process we moved them to oncology and outpatient services. We were not sorry to see them go.

Is anyone using the ortho poly specific AHG gel cards? And if so, what do you think of them. We rarely use poly and our tube reagents have outdated. We are considering giving these a try and want information. Thanks Karen

We used to require it for FFP, but that was mainly to be sure they were actually planning to GIVE the FFP, not just "hold" it. Now with the physicians entering their own orders in the computer, thety have to order FFP for transfusion, which generates a "task" for nursing to give the FFP. No transfuse order, no products. So far it seems to be working.

They are very weak in tubes, 1-2+ is about as good as it gets.

We have a BBH, blood bank hold, which is the same as the just in case. It is also mainly for oncology and L&D. We do not routinely cross units unless there is a transfuse order. We have (tried) to get everyone on board with the knowledge that a type & screen is almost always sufficient. And if not, we can have units ready within 5-10 minutes.

We send a bright orange form to preop admitting to inform them that we need a second blood type. They get us the sample when they start the IV. So far that has worked fairly well.

We just had our JCHAO inspection and nothing was said about RhoGam. We handle it in the blood bank.

We also use the gel for everything except unit retypes and retypes on new patients (2nd specimen). When we first looked at the gel we didn't think we would use the ABD cards, but the convenience for batching routines is great.

We are using the Datacyte panel and biotest reagents for quite a while and are very happy with them.

We also check all DAT's microscopically, but I would love to get rid of the scope. Just can't convince everybody.

We would send it for flow--much less subjective than KHB.

We thought about not redrawing for type O, but decided to draw all to be consistent. We will also use a CBC that was drawn at a different time and by a different phlebotomist. The only time we allow the same phlebotomist to draw the 2nd specimen is at night, if there is only one on duty.

We created a retype in the computer that does not charge. When needed, the BB tech places the order and dispatches a phlebotomist.

Thanks Malcom, I will hang onto that form for the next "discrepancy" I find.

I offered to send up an ice pick with FFP once. It wasn't appreciated.

We keep RhoGam, pharmacy handles everything else.