Tag: Immunohematology

Immunohematology testing and processes

Processes and Software Building: Profile Cards 1-2-3 for Extended Antigen Typing

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This is an update of a previous post.

In any case with nonspecific antibodies and for all new patients who will require chronic transfusions, I perform extended Rh (CcEe)/Kell and the three Diamed (now Biorad) profile cards.

It is very easy in Medinfo to write a process for any group of antigen typings as long as you know the manufacturer’s criteria for accepting results.  Some cards have controls, others do not.  In the latter case, the “control” is a negative reaction in the card or series of cards of the same type.

In Medinfo, one can also look for errors in using the card:  In Profile Card 3, i.e. the MNSsFyaFyb card, one must reject the card if no reactions in any well appear:  Did the technologist forget to add the cells or reagents?  Did he/she use the wrong diluent (i.e. bromelin enzyme) which would destroy the labile antigens?

One can set the acceptable range of reactivity, flag for mixed field, etc. and record these findings in the official record.  One can define which reactions you will accept an automatic reading of the card.  For the other readings, one can force a manual review and result entry.

Note that Profile Cards 1 and 2 both have an internal control whereas Profile Card 3 (enzyme-labile antigens) does not.

Here are the processes for all three profile cards:

Policy: Division Head Transfusion Medicine Role in Policy Making

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Principle:

The Division Head, Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banks, is responsible for all aspects of transfusion medicine at HMC for the State of Qatar.  The following policy documents some of those roles.

Policy:

  1. The Division Head, Transfusion Medicine HTM, serves as a member of the Corporate Transfusion Committee
  2. The HTM through the CTC establishes criteria for transfusion of blood components and passes these through the HMC corporate process for establishing official guidelines.
  3. The HTM reviews blood component requests, especially in times of shortage to triage in conjunction with the Medical Director and Chairperson, DPLM
  4. The HTM establishes transfusion practices through the interim policies, which are in turn used to prepare processes and procedures through corporate transfusion medicine.
  5. The HTM serves as Project Manager for the Medinfo Hematos IIG computer system and prepares policies, processes, and procedures for Transfusion Laboratory Information Systems.

References:

Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, Current Edition AABB, Bethesda, MD, USA

Policy: Extended Rh and Kell Phenotyping

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Principle:

Based on recent cases of rare phenotypes in the Rh system, we will proactively detect such patients and donors most likely for this.

Policy:

Extended Rh (C, c, E, e) and Kell (K1) typing should be done on all donors and patients meeting the any of the following criteria:

  1. D-negative phenotype
  2. Patients with positive antibody screens

References:

Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, AABB, Current Edition, Bethesda, MD, USA

Process: Interdepot Transfer

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Enumeration:  5.9.1

Process:

  1. All transfers of blood components will be done through the dedicated blood bank computer system Medinfo Hematos IIG.
  2. Ensure that the final ISBT label is attached.
  3. Each unit must have a final ISBT label attached.
  4. Prepare a consignment list for the units to be transferred.
  5. Transfer the units in temperature controlled and monitored, validated containers.
  6. Upon receipt at the destination, check the temperature log or liquid crystal sticker to confirm the unit(s) have been maintained at the proper temperature.
  7. Upon receipt at the destination, repeat the ABO forward and D type of the transferred RBC units and the reverse type of the plasma units.
  8. Subsequent transfers between hospital blood banks do not require repeat ABO/D typings.
  9. Inspect each unit for leaks and physical appearance (e.g. clots, leaks, discoloration).
  10. Enter the new stock into the local hospital’s inventory.
  11. Use the specific transfer algorithms programmed into the Medinfo Hematos IIG software.
  12. All variances will be reviewed by the supervisor and a transfusion medicine physician.

References:

  1. HMC 1001 Setting Specification, Version 1.5, Hematos IIG, Medinfo
  2. Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, Current Edition, AABB, Bethesda, Maryland, USA