Workplace violence.

WPV is not only present, but it is increasing. History shows our society is dynamic, but crime and violence adapt well to change. There are many factors that contribute to violent behavior in general. Violence in society has been linked to decreased societal morals, abusive parents, molestation, traumatic episodes and stress; drug abuse, alcoholism, and the media have also contributed. Research related to WPV is in its infancy. Experts provide suggestions on ways to prevent WPV, but the literature lacks studies examining the use or results of such activity. The healthcare work setting is experiencing greater violence because healthcare providers see individuals, families, and communities in times of illness or injury, which can evoke severe stress and the sense of loss of control. No healthcare setting is free from risk. Aggression that builds in the emergency department easily can shift to another unit when a volatile patient is admitted. Epidemic violence is a phenomenon of the modern world that touches individuals daily in dramatic and frightening ways. The United States has the highest homicide rate in the industrialized world. Clearly, violence is a growing problem in need of a comprehensive description and plan for intervention. WPV is reflective of a general trend toward violence in society.

Ergonomics in the clinical laboratory.

Ergonomics can improve work quality, increase productivity, raise morale, reduce absenteeism, and reduce workers compensation. Laboratory managers are responsible for recognizing employees at risk of developing CTSs which represent 65 percent of all injuries reported. It is a wise investment to prevent injuries. It needs to be stressed to laboratorians that just because one is not suffering now, does not mean suffering will not occur in the future. All of these micro- (mini-) traumas add up over the years. Once there is pain, there are things that can be done to alleviate the discomfort or disability, but that part of the body is never the same again. CTDs are not inexpensive; the National Council on Compensation Insurance reports the average CTD victim compensation is $29,000. Policies and procedures are needed in every facility to address ergonomic safety issues. All employees should be educated about tasks or situations putting an individual at risk for CTDs. Employees should communicate with management and management should be open to information about potential or real risk situations. Safety is everyone's job.

Fatal hemolytic disease of a newborn due to anti-D in an Rh-positive Du variant mother.

This report presents an account of fatal hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to anti-D in a mother whose red cells showed the phenotypic characteristics of Rh positive Du variant. The proposita's third pregnancy was uneventful until the eighth month, when she presented with an unusually large abdomen. A sonogram showed fetal hydrops, and amniocentesis yielded a delta OD450 reading in Zone 3. Anti-D with a titer of 4096 was identified in the mother's serum. Following delivery by cesarean section, the premature infant did not respond to resuscitation. The autopsy findings were consistent with Rh erythroblastosis fetalis. The proposita has been classified as a Category VI Du variant with anti-D in her serum.