LKSchroed

Anyone using the Hettich 280 for serological testing in the Blood Bank. What settings are you using? I have not found any typical program settings for spinning blood types and antibody screens etc.

One homozygous is the best, but not always possible for antigens like K.

Ortho Vision has been installed. We are training techs on use. I am writing the validation process as fast as possible along with required procedures. We have hit a snag with connecting Ortho Vision to DataInnovations to Cerner Millenium. Right now Cerner doesn't like the info coming from the Vision via DI. Not sure yet if its just a matter of mapping or what the problem is. So far the techs being trained think it is great.

Everything with the Vision installation is on schedule. We have a conference call scheduled with Ortho personnel to talk more about in-house training, validation schedule, and interfacing with Cerner. But the Vision looks great sitting in the BB lab! Will post progress and if any issues arise.

I am hoping we won't have a problem with gel card usage on the Vision. On day and evening shift hardly an hour goes by without multiple screens being done. Night shift slows down a bit. But as soon as we get it up and running I will watch for the problem. How many samples did you run in duplicate by both methods to validate the Vision? Thanks

Our Vision is to be installed tomorrow (May 24). One tech goes to training on June 13. The inhouse training starts June 20. We have Cerner Milennium, but will also be using middleware (DataInnovations.)

Sad to say we still don't have our Ortho Vision. Not an Ortho problem, just a delay by my hospital in spending the money. Would love to hear from anyone who has a Vision up and running. thanks!

Our three most common uses for FFP are: 1. To correct prolonged Coag times due to Coumadin overdose. 2. Massive transfusions 3. Plasma exchanges We have a Helmer that thaws up to 8 at one time which is very usefull for the plasma exchanges in particular. Each FFP goes into a separate plastic bag. The BB lab does all of the thawing and issuing of FFP for the hospital. Our backup thawer is a Thermogenesis that will do 4 units at a time. Hope that answers some questions and helps.

Transfusion reaction workups that are negative (no hemolysis, DAT neg, clerical checks OK, etc.) are left for the next business day for the pathologist to review. I am curious how many institutions wait for pathologist approval to continue transfusions. Currently transfusion reaction workups that are negative, the tech releases any additional units for transfusion, but our new blood bank pathologist is reconsidering this policy. A review of CAP and AABB regulations do say one way or the other unless I missed something.

We always split up the BB survey to five different techs and the educational sample to a sixth. Inspectors have no problem with that. You can even get more involved by having other techs do the survey after the due date and your results have been submitted.

Yes, I have two techs to send for training. Originally I was told training would be in-house. Now I hear that they will travel somewhere.

We have a Vision coming, and I was wondering about getting up and running and validated. I am looking to avoid problems and delays in putting into use. Has anyone interface it with Cerner yet?

We still type our patients using the tube method. The debate come with the strength of the Anti D reaction. Some techs call any reaction Rh positive. Some techs believe the reaction must be 2+ or stronger to be Rh positive. Our current SOP is not specific. Any suggestions?