Transfusion
-
Comparative Study
Anemia screening in potential female blood donors: comparison of two different quantitative methods.
Anemia screening before blood donation requires an accurate, quick, practical, and easy method with minimal discomfort for the donors. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two quantitative methods of anemia screening: the HemoCue 201(+) (Aktiebolaget Leo Diagnostics) hemoglobin (Hb) and microhematocrit (micro-Hct) tests. ⋯ The HemoCue 201(+) showed greater discriminating power for detecting anemia in prospective blood donors than the micro-Hct method. Both presented equivalent deferral error rates of nonanemic potential donors. Compared to the micro-Hct, HemoCue 201(+) reduces the risk of anemic female donors giving blood, specially for those with lower Hb levels, without increasing the deferral of nonanemic potential donors.
-
Comparative Study
The clinical utility of an index of global oxygenation for guiding red blood cell transfusion in cardiac surgery.
This observational study explored the potential utility of oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) as an adjunct to the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration for guiding red blood cell (RBC) transfusion decisions after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). ⋯ If a normal O2ER in anemic patients with no evidence of organ dysfunction indicates adequate tissue oxygen delivery, then our findings suggest that incorporating O2ER into the transfusion decision will substantially reduce post-cardiac surgery RBC transfusions by allowing us to safely avoid transfusing this group of patients. Future studies are needed to assess the validity of this conclusion.
-
In 2002, the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) conducted a workshop to determine needs of the cell therapy community. A consensus emerged that improved access to cGMP facilities, regulatory assistance, and training would foster the advancement of cellular therapy. ⋯ PACT is an active and successful cell therapy manufacturing resource in the United States, addressing research and training while forging relationships among academia, industry, and participating institutions.
-
Comparative Study
Comparison of coagulation factor XIII content and concentration in cryoprecipitate and fresh-frozen plasma.
For patients with plasma coagulation factor XIII (pFXIII) deficiency, recommended means of replacement include infusions of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate, or (where available) factor (F)XIII concentrates. Quantitative differences in pFXIII concentration in FFP and cryoprecipitate are not well defined and were, therefore, the subject of this study. ⋯ In contrast to other cryoprecipitable coagulation proteins, pFXIII is only mildly enriched in cryoprecipitate when compared with FFP (approx. two- to threefold). Although both products can provide effective pFXIII replacement, FFP may be preferred when infusion volume is not a major consideration and pFXIII concentrates are not available. VWF is substantially enriched in cryoprecipitate (approx. ninefold compared with its concentration in FFP), with VWF activity content exceeding that of FVIII by approximately 26 percent on average.
-
In August 2005, the Canadian Blood Services decreased the deferral period for tattooing and ear or body piercing from 12 to 6 months. This study assessed the impact of this change on blood safety and availability. ⋯ There was no measurable adverse effect on safety and a positive but less than expected effect on blood availability after shortening the deferral period for tattoo and piercing. The length of other temporary deferrals should be reassessed, since their current contribution to blood safety may be negligible.