I agree almost entirely with what you say StevenB - you may be surprised to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The thing is that my laboratory (or what used to be my laboratory - I've changed jobs, and am now in a sort of national position, doing the theoretical training [as opposed to the practical training]) IS a Reference Laboratory, and so all of the people who work in it are trained to the n^th degree, before they are "let loose" on live patient's sample, and all are trained in this technique and use it virtually everyday (therefore, keeping up competency).

I, myself, was trained by a combination of Dr. Kenneth Goldsmith, Dr. Carolyn Giles and Joyce Poole, when I was working at the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory, with help from Dr. Patricia Tippett, Dr. Robert Race, Dr. Ruth Sanger and Dr. Geoff Daniels - amongst others!  I had a good grounding!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi StevenB.  Thanks for your input.  The last time I prewarmed anything was about nine years ago.  Prewarm techniques are not performed as much anymore in the hospital setting.  However, every TS I have been a part of still has an SOP for it.  In the past 10 years I have not had a whole lot of solid Blood Bankers (very slim pickings).  New techs are afraid, older techs do not want to change with evidence-based anything.

Yes. I agree on being strict.  My techs will probably tell you that I am strict (very, very strict) in how we practices.  Also, I have never heard my reference family (ARC) ever mention the words "prewarm" verbally nor in writing.  I am just glad that they  provide additional guidance, especially when I am not present.  On your recommendations, I will continue "strictness"

Kind regards,

 

On ‎2‎/‎23‎/‎2016 at 4:04 PM, StevenB said:

Definitely no reason to apologize, Dr. Pepper.  Anytime I hear or read about using the prewarm technique I tend to go on full alert....can't help it.  It's the reference tech in me, lol.  We see all too often the technique being used for the wrong reasons, so I have this almost "knee jerk" reaction to the topic.  Baritone/Bass here...as I've gotten older my "ear" is not what it used to be....maybe the back of the choir is a good spot for me too!

I'm the same way; when I hear a BB tech say that they want to "prewarm something away" when they don't know the dangers makes me a little crazy.

My other pet peeve is the term "least incompatible"...but that's another rant. 

@Malcolm:  Trust me, I sure wasn't questioning you or your laboratory as I'm sure they are, were, in very fine hands!

@Terry: Guilty...we use "that" term.  Not too fond of it myself though as it begs the question "What does that mean?"  Perhaps it's time to "stir the pot".

Oh, no problem StevenB.  I didn't think you were.  No, I was just making a statement myself.