ABSTRACT
IntroductionThe pandemic Covid-19 normalised remote working and we addressed what this meant for our living donors. Within the liver donor liver transplant (LDLT) team one of the major challenges was gaining access to getting donors blood groups which is required as the initial stage of assessment to see if they are a compatible blood group to proceed with their intended recipient. To enable our service evaluated the ‘Eldon Home Blood Typing Kit’ for ABO and Rh blood grouping.The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the Eldon Home blood typing kit 1n comparison with the standard laboratory method.MethodThe Eldon Home Kit 2511 is a rapid user friendly self-test kit to determine the blood group inside the ABO and RhD blood group systems. The blood kits were evaluated by 30 living donors to determine their accuracy. Blood grouping was conducted as per the instructions in the company manual.ResultsThe Eldon Home blood typing kit correctly identified the blood group of all 30 potential donors in comparison with the gold-standard hospital laboratory slide and tube method. No disparity was observed. The living donors described that the cards were easy to use and gave reliable results within one minute thus providing a convenient and reliable way of remotely obtaining the donor’s blood group required to assess their suitability as a living donor for their intended recipient within the pandemic.ConclusionThe Eldon Home Blood Typing Kit provides a rapid method for potential living donors that is both accurate and acceptable to prospective donors. Whilst this service development was initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic it will continue to be used in increase efficiency in living donor assessment process and to reduce unnecessary travel.
ABSTRACT
Background: The coronavirus pandemic is having a profound impact on non-COVID-19 related research, including the delivery of clinical trials for patients with Parkinson's disease. Objectives: A preliminary investigation to explore the views of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, with and without experience of psychosis symptoms, and carers on the resumption of clinical research and adaptations to trials in light of COVID-19. Methods: An anonymous self-administered online survey was completed by 30 PD patients and six family members/carers via the Parkinson's UK Research Support Network to explore current perceptions on taking part in PD research and how a planned clinical trial for psychosis in PD may be adapted so participants feel safe. Results: Ninety-one percent of respondents were enthusiastic about the continuation of non-COVID-19 related research as long as certain safety measures were in place. Ninety-four percent stated that they would be happy to complete assessments virtually. However, they noted that care should be taken to ensure that this does not exclude participants, particularly those with more advanced PD who may require assistance using portable electronic devices. Regular and supportive communication from the research team was also seen as important for maintaining the psychological well-being of participants while taking part in the trial. Conclusions: In the era of COVID-19 pandemic, standard approaches will have to be modified and rapid adoption of virtual assessments will be critical for the continuation of clinical research. It is important that alongside the traditional methods, new tools are developed, and older ones validated for virtual assessments, to allow safe and comprehensive assessments vital for ongoing research in people with Parkinson's.