Multicentre evaluation of the new ORTHO VISION® analyser.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of fully automated analysers has become a crucial security step in the blood bank; it reduces human errors, allows standardisation and improves turnaround time (TAT). OBJECTIVES: We aimed at evaluating the ease of use and the efficiency of the ORTHO VISION® Analyser (VISION) in comparison to the ORTHO AutoVue® Innova System (AutoVue) in six different laboratories. METHODS: After initial training and system configuration, VISION was used in parallel to AutoVue following the daily workload, both automates being based on ORTHO BioVue® System column agglutination technology. Each participating laboratory provided data and scored the training, system configuration, quality control, maintenance and system efficiency. A total of 1049 individual samples were run: 266 forward and reverse grouping and antibody screens with 10 urgent samples, 473 ABD forward grouping and antibody screens with 22 urgent samples, 160 ABD forward grouping, 42 antibody screens and a series of 108 specific case profiles. RESULTS: The VISION instrument was more rapid than the AutoVue with a mean performing test time of 27·9 min compared to 36 min; for various test type comparisons, the TAT data obtained from VISION was shorter than that from AutoVue. Moreover, VISION analysed urgent STAT samples faster. Regarding the ease of use, VISION was intuitive and user friendly. CONCLUSIONS: VISION is a robust, reproducible system performing the most types of analytical determinations needed for pre-transfusion testing today, thus accommodating a wide range of clinical needs. VISION brings appreciated new features that could further secure blood transfusions.

Effective implementation of a patient blood management programme for platelets.

OBJECTIVES: To implement a patient blood management (PBM) programme in platelet transfusion. AIMS: To improve the appropriate use of blood components, reduce wastage and generate savings. BACKGROUND: PBM is a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to optimising the care of patients who need blood transfusion and to use blood products appropriately. Strategies for PBM ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment with the transfusion of components when indicated, at the same time avoiding or reducing unnecessary transfusions. Typically, PBM initiatives have addressed the use of red cells. PBM initiatives in platelets (PBM-P) are an important aspect of Transfusion Medicine. METHODS: We present data from an initiative for PBM-platelets (PBM-P) comprising a service improvement programme through the role of a 'platelet co-ordinator' (PBM-Pc) to optimise the use of platelets in a large complex tertiary care hospital in a National Health Service (NHS) setting. RESULTS: Analysis at 18 months of the role showed sustained improvement in compliance with quality standards defined by British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines and significant financial savings due to improved use and reduced wastage. The appropriate use of platelets increased by 17, 23 and 18% in the prophylactic, pre-procedure and peri-procedure categories, respectively. Importantly, despite concurrent increases of patient activity, platelet issues and cost reduced by 21% over the period of analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our model has been efficacious in delivering the effective stewardship of platelets and can be successfully implemented in NHS.