JoyG

Did you try molecular testing your patient?

I have a question further related to this subject. For those that use historic blood types and samples from this admission which can be many days in some instances, how do you answer AABB 5.11.4 Retention of blood samples? Where patient samples shall be stored for at least 7 days after transfusion? Do you interprete this standard for red cell containing products only or all products? If all products, how can a historical type or type on admission be compliant with that standard? Thanks for any thoughts on this subject!

Currently we use Mediware HCLL. You have to release the results from the ECHO but then verify the results in the BB computer system. Techs must look at the results before they release them from the blood bank system, they are not autoverified directly from the BBIS. We wanted to interface with the instrument so that we would not have to worry about clerical errors which I think is more dangerous.

This is true as well as the OB docs follow ACOG which, last time I looked, was an antibody screen at initial and I think possibly a 28week follow up as needed but not in conjunction with the RHIG.

The conclusion of the Association Bulletin only states that an assessment of the role of point-of-issue bacterial screening should be performed at the local facility with medical staff involvement because detailed case mix and platelet logistics requires an in-depth understanding of local operations. Currently our facility is not performing any point-of-issue testing. We are testing our donor apheresis units using the eBDS. We decided that there are logistical issues with using Verax and performing point-of-issue testing at our facility. I think as long as you have documentation of your assessment of this role, the decision is up to the facility and the Medical Director.

Standard 5.13.5 in the 27th is Comparison of patient's previous test results for ABO group and Rh type in last 12 months if comparison is not performed electronically. That retention was 5 years however standard 5.13.5.2 for Difficulty in typing, clinically significant antibodies; etc was indefinite. In the 28th edition, 5.13.5 includes reviewing historical records for the following ABORh, difficulty in typing, clinically sig ab, significant adverse event and special transfusion requirements (merging std 5.13.5, 5.13.5.1, and 5.13.5.2 together). The new record retention period was changed in the 28th edition on Nov 1st to 10 years. Hope that helps!