ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Warm autoantibodies (WAAs) cause delays and additional expenses while determining suitable products when using a traditional protocol (TP). In 2013, Carter BloodCare Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) introduced a molecular protocol (MP) for patients with WAAs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective review of records for samples referred to the IRL from November 2004 to September 2020, was performed. Referrals, alloantibody(ies), gender, and age were recorded. Additionally, the count of common clinically significant antigens needed for phenotypically matched red blood cells (RBCs) were recorded for patients in MP. To further analyze charges and time spent testing patients with WAAs, 300 patients were selected. RESULTS: Analysis of average charges to the referring hospital and time spent testing in the IRL determined savings at two or more referrals. Overall, 219 of 300 (73%) of patients in the study met or exceeded the number of referrals. Further analysis shows that while the population of patients with WAA (n = 300) shared similar demographics, there was a statistically significant difference between the average time testing patients in TP (M = 264.18, SD = 15.06) and MP (M = 156.00, SD = 90.37), t(157) = 14.46, p < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI] (93.41-122.97). Additionally, the assumption that each patient received two RBCs per referral provided no statistically significant difference between average charges to the hospitals of patients in TP (M = 1222.58, SD = 165.69) and MP (M = 1269.78, SD = 433.52), t(192) = -1.25, p = .214, 95% CI (-121.95-27.54). CONCLUSION: The MP has been effective in saving time spent testing patients with WAAs, which benefits referring hospitals, patients, and IRLs. Charges for prophylactic phenotypically matched blood were negligible and a MP would alleviate some of the current laboratory difficulties while providing safe products to patients.
Subject(s)
Autoantibodies , Erythrocytes , Humans , Genotype , Isoantibodies , HospitalsABSTRACT
Includes proceedings of the meeting which was held to promote the CCH to external agencies and to submit national project proposals in the seven priority areas to possible donors with a view to securing funding for such projects
Subject(s)
Humans , Health Policy, Planning and ManagementABSTRACT
Includes proceedings of the meeting which was held to promote the CCH to external agencies and to submit antional project proposals in the seven priority areas to possible donors with a view to securing funding for such projects. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Health Policy, Planning and ManagementABSTRACT
Includes proceedings of the meeting which was held to promote the CCH to external agencies and to submit national project proposals in the seven priority areas to possible donors with a view to securing funding for such projects
Subject(s)
Humans , Health Policy, Planning and ManagementABSTRACT
The Pan American Health Organization as part of its port disaster assistance was requested to provide staff members advisory services in port disaster health organzation, assessments and surveillance in the parishes of portland St. Mary. This report outlines the observations and recommendations made at the disaster management meeting held with health terms of the respective parishes during September 20 to October 3, 1988
