jsherrie

Try handing them a video game during the donation (ie distraction).

I use to pool plasma at the American Red Cross to be sent for fractionation. The only discoloration of plasma I noticed that was not hemolysis was a definite GREEN color I told was due to copper in the blood from birth control pills ???? and extremely milk colored plasma from a recent high fat meal.

agree with rrcc1974 sorta. It is frustrating when I go to a thread, I inevitably start reading the LAST post first because the default landing on opening is at the END of the posts. It would be better if the default landing was at the BEGINNING of posts.

I guess disposable pipettes are not an option?

Some things, like cleaning up and properly filing paperwork, I think, are just a professional courtesy for the techs following you. Every lab professional, regardless of what department they work in, should know that. I think that checklists and charts do help. They not only serve as a reminder, but also enforce accountability. When I worked at ARC, I had to sign my initials so many times everyday, I felt like I had to initial a form to go to the bathroom. I found that when someone new comes to the blood bank it helps to not only explain the rules, but explain WHY that rule is in place and some possible negative consequences that could occur if these rules are not followed.

As in life.....remember......in blood banking, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never assume.

Good one Malcolm!

I believe that you should retype on every admission, for the very reasons that you mentioned. Someone may have a false ID, you don't really know for sure. And as for getting patients of the same name mixed up.......could happen especially with the increasing Latino population, which all seem to have a last name of Lopez! (no prejudice intended....just an example)

We...bloodbankers....are weird birds....arn't we?............just joking....I go to Wikipedia for many many explanations.

very well written!

If a donor unit is labeled group O, it most likely is correct and confirmation with anti-A,B only, would save on reagents, and time.

Having been the supervisor of a Red Cross blood typing laboratory for many years...I must mention that you must be aware that some weak subgroups of A or AB may front type negative with anti-A,B. Sometimes it is best to see the whole picture before making a conclusion.

he-he-he....funny

Roger that!

Recent ASCP notification concerning the proposal that Dr.'s must sign for all test requisitions - Physician Signature Requirement Burdens Labs, Jeopardizes Patients ASCP urges you to act before the Jan. 3 deadline Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized its Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule for the 2011 calendar year. The rule includes a troubling policy change requiring a physician's or qualified nonphysician practitioner's (NPP) signature on requisitions for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests paid under the clinical laboratory fee schedule (effective Jan. 1, 2011). CMS defines a requisition as "the actual paperwork, such as a form, which is provided to a clinical diagnostic laboratory that identifies the test or tests to be performed for a patient." Currently, a physician signature is required only on orders for laboratory services. ASCP believes the new rule could adversely affect patient care and complicate the provision of the laboratory services. In cases where a signature from the ordering physician or NPP is absent, laboratories could be left scrambling trying to obtain the signature. Late Breaking News Rule: Recently CMS has partially agreed to a delayed implementation request from ASCP and other members of the clinical laboratory coalition organizations. CMS will delay implementation of the rule for three months. During this period, ASCP will continue to pressure CMS to withdraw its new proposal. ASCP urges you to contact CMS and tell them of your opposition to the policy change. Contact CMS before the Jan. 3 Comment Deadline to maximize the effectiveness of your voice.