hmcmahon

My intent is to get rid of the Gel and move to the tube with PEG. I haven't really started the validation, but I hear pros and cons to the method. Any input into the method would be greatly appreciated.

I just don't like having to go to Gel. Do you think there is a problem with the processing of the panels? I often wonder that. I really don't think it is technique based, especially when I repeat the test and it comes out the same. I have been using the manual Capture for 6 years, and Galileo for 5 years, but lately it seems that we have seen more of this.

We are in the process of getting a new centrifuge for spinning our patient samples. We recently had 2 Silencers but they turned to be very disappointing, so we are sending them back. They had heating issues, balancing issues, etc. We are now looking at the Helmer Rotina 380. Does anyone have any input on this model? We have a few instruments from Helmer and are quite happy with them and feel the Helmer would be of good quality. Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Heather

Yes, we have had issues with missing Kell antibodies using Capture-R and when done by the MTS Gel Method, no problem. Today we had a positive antibody screen with Capture-R and when we ran the ID panel, the tech could not figure it out. I thought perhaps it was a anti-Jka but it missed 2 homozygous Jka cells on the panel. We then ran the screen and antibody ID using the MTS Gel Method. No problem. Reacted with all the homozygous and heterozygous cells. I repeated the few cells missed on Capture-R and they repeated negative. I am not sure what is going on. When I did my validation when we first got Capture-R it was definitely more sensitive than the MTS. But now it seems...????questionable. We use the 3-5% Ortho Screening Cells, which doesn't have the enhancement media that the Panel A 0.8% does. My techs are losing faith. I am currently doing a whole new validation. Not happy at all. Heather

Hi there, We do Kleihauers 24 hours a day 7 days a week and it is performed in the Blood Bank department. We do get requests for Kleihauers from physicians for those pregnant patients suffering trauma or if they are not sure if the bleeding is baby or mom. Heather