BBDW

We purchased a Helmer i-Series freezer last year. No problems with it at all so far. Temperature stays at a rock-solid -30.8 degrees C between the (short) defrost cycles. We are very happy with our purchase.

I'm glad to hear that the times given in the manufacturer's literature seem to be accurate. How long have you had the DH8? Has it ever had any mechanical issues?

My hospital is planning to purchase a new plasma thawing system in the near future. We are looking specifically at the Helmer QuickThaw DH4. If anyone has one of these units or the similar DH2 or DH8, I would like to know what your "real world" thawing times are for 2 average sized units of plasma stored at -30 degrees C. Helmer's literature states a median thawing time of 10-18 minutes depending on the size and configuration of the bag. A relatively short thawing time would go a long way to convince our administration to allow us to order this unit. We are also trying to minimize our plasma expiration rate and a shorter thaw time may convince our physicians to order only when plasma is to be actually transfused and not if they "may" need it in a hurry later! If anyone uses a different device that has a shorter thawing time please let me know this as well (I don't think they would go for a microwave! ).

Our hospital just went through this billing issue. It is correct that we can only have one antigen typing charge per unit regardless of the number of antigens. However, when antigen typing the patient, it is permissable to bill per antigen. Go figure...