How often is everyone doing antibody ID competencies with their blood bank techs? One a year? Two?

Everyone performs ABID twice a year at my facility. One using the gel method and the other using any tube method.

Techs perform ABID once a year for each of the methods: gel, tube and TANGO.

We only do once/yr.

Once a year for each method, but we require a second tech double-check of all  ABID's prior to blood issue. 

Edited September 28, 20177 yr by Carrie Easley

53 minutes ago, Carrie Easley said:

Once a year for each method, but we require a second tech double-check of all  ABID's prior to blood issue. 

Is that a paperwork/clerical check or do you actually test the samples twice?

45 minutes ago, exlimey said:

Is that a paperwork/clerical check or do you actually test the samples twice?

Paperwork/double-check rule-outs.

1 hour ago, Carrie Easley said:

Paperwork/double-check rule-outs.

Fair enough. I thought you meant actual duplicate testing.

Immediately after training is signed off, 6 months after that, then annually thereafter.

1 annually documented. 

So when you guys say for each method-- your techs are actually doing the physical work up? I'm asking because before I took over as BB Super, we were just getting panels already filled out with reactions, and we ID'd the AB. I'd like for all of us BB techs to be proficient as possible, but I don't think the previous method worked out real well. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

1 hour ago, EAB81 said:

So when you guys say for each method-- your techs are actually doing the physical work up? I'm asking because before I took over as BB Super, we were just getting panels already filled out with reactions, and we ID'd the AB. I'd like for all of us BB techs to be proficient as possible, but I don't think the previous method worked out real well. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

We require direct observation of each step (specimen acceptability, historical check, pipetting, washing, reporting, etc...) in each method at completion of initial training, 6 months after initial competency, and annually thereafter.  

Once a year with a direct observation of making the auto control and making 3% cells to 0.8% cells. Also Techs are required to perform at least 1 ABID a quarter.

On 10/1/2017 at 6:36 PM, EAB81 said:

So when you guys say for each method-- your techs are actually doing the physical work up? I'm asking because before I took over as BB Super, we were just getting panels already filled out with reactions, and we ID'd the AB. I'd like for all of us BB techs to be proficient as possible, but I don't think the previous method worked out real well. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Each tech physically performs a gel ABID and a tube method ABID.

On ‎10‎/‎1‎/‎2017 at 5:36 PM, EAB81 said:

So when you guys say for each method-- your techs are actually doing the physical work up? I'm asking because before I took over as BB Super, we were just getting panels already filled out with reactions, and we ID'd the AB. I'd like for all of us BB techs to be proficient as possible, but I don't think the previous method worked out real well. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

I think your process is OK.   If they are already being assessed on indirect coombs in gel, tube or whatever, giving them a panel sheet with reactions to identify the antibody is acceptable IMO.

One per year

We require direct observation of each method (tube, gel and TANGO) for tech initial training, 6 months competency, and then annual competency for a new hire. All other techs direct observation yearly for each method.   

Just wondering......several contributors have used the term "direct observation".

What would be involved in "indirect observation" ?? Mirrors ? Peripheral vision ? CCTV ?