LAURAA80

Currently my facility is using PEG for screens and antibody ID. We want to go to LISS. We are finishing up our validation study and of course the LISS is not as sensitive as PEG. Our Medical Director was not happy with the % of sensitivity and specificity that I was using. I must admit I used the % that was used for another similar study. Here is my question, am I barking up the wrong tree looking at the % of sensitivity and specificity? I already know LISS will be lower than PEG. Should I be looking at the Predictive Values and Efficiency of the test rather than comparing the two out right? I am so frustrated at this point any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I am ready to switch my reagents I just need to get this issue solved.

We use Level 1 and (drawing a blank on the other brand) blood warmers. I know we do quarterly QC on them. I think alarm temp is above 42C but I don't think the blood gets that warm, just the warmer itself or some such. These have been FDA approved for warming blood so as long as they operate according to manufacturer's specs I think you are ok. Now I might have to look at our procedure since you have made me think of it.

Laura,
I'm not sure which PeG you were using but if it was one where the PeG is suspended in LISS (Immucor for sure) you might be able to use that factoid. The fact may help make staff a little more confident in using the LISS as well.
Jeanne

Shirey et al published a study in Transfusion May 1994 (34:5). They found PEG > LISS in 34 cases, PEG = LISS in 66 cases, and PEG < LISS in 0 cases. Better reactivity in PEG was noted with:
38% of Rh system abs
14% of Kell
14% of Duffy
33% of Kidd
67% of MNS
47% of other system abs