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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., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Objectives The beneficial effect of platelet transfusion on haemostasis is well established, but there is emerging evidence that platelet transfusion induces an inflammatory response in vascular endothelial cells. Background We investigated haemostatic function and endothelial biomarkers before and after platelet transfusion in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. Materials and Methods Blood was sampled before, 1 and 24 h after platelet transfusion. Primary and secondary haemostasis was evaluated by whole blood aggregometry (Multiplate) and thromboelastography (TEG). Endothelial biomarkers (sICAM-1, syndecan-1, sThrombomodulin, sVE-Cadherin) and platelet activation biomarkers (sCD40L, TGF-beta) were investigated along with haematology/biochemistry analyses. Results Twenty-two patients were included. Despite continued low platelet counts, platelet transfusion normalised the median values of most TEG parameters and slightly increased platelet aggregation (all P < 0·05). Endothelial biomarkers were not significantly affected by transfusion. The 1 h sCD40L level correlated positively with Syndecan-1 and soluble thrombomodulin delta values, biomarkers of endothelial damage (both P = 0·005). Conclusion Platelet transfusion improved haemostasis, whereas post-transfusion increases in sCD40L were associated with endothelial damage, indicating that transfused platelets and platelet-derived pro-inflammatory mediators may have opposite effects on the endothelium., OBJECTIVES: The beneficial effect of platelet transfusion on haemostasis is well established, but there is emerging evidence that platelet transfusion induces an inflammatory response in vascular endothelial cells.BACKGROUND: We investigated haemostatic function and endothelial biomarkers before and after platelet transfusion in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood was sampled before, 1 and 24 h after platelet transfusion. Primary and secondary haemostasis was evaluated by whole blood aggregometry (Multiplate) and thromboelastography (TEG). Endothelial biomarkers (sICAM-1, syndecan-1, sThrombomodulin, sVE-Cadherin) and platelet activation biomarkers (sCD40L, TGF-beta) were investigated along with haematology/biochemistry analyses.RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included. Despite continued low platelet counts, platelet transfusion normalised the median values of most TEG parameters and slightly increased platelet aggregation (all P < 0·05). Endothelial biomarkers were not significantly affected by transfusion. The 1 h sCD40L level correlated positively with Syndecan-1 and soluble thrombomodulin delta values, biomarkers of endothelial damage (both P = 0·005).CONCLUSION: Platelet transfusion improved haemostasis, whereas post-transfusion increases in sCD40L were associated with endothelial damage, indicating that transfused platelets and platelet-derived pro-inflammatory mediators may have opposite effects on the endothelium.

Health care workers are at risk of acquiring blood-borne infections. To assess the risk of exposure to hepatitis B or C in the case of occupational blood exposure, we determined the seroprevalence of these infections in 466 patients admitted to a Copenhagen university hospital. Serological markers for hepatitis B or C were detected in 56 patients (12.0%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV was 0.9% and 1.5% respectively. HCV RNA, indicating ongoing hepatitis C, was found in five of seven anti-HCV-positive patients by polymerase chain reaction. The serological findings had not previously been diagnosed in 4 of 10 potentially infectious patients and only 6 of 10 patients belonged to high-risk groups. In conclusion, health care workers should be aware of the potential the occupational risk of hepatitis B and C even in a low-prevalence country like Denmark. Management of health care workers after blood exposure should include serological testing for both hepatitis B and C. Strict adherence to universal precautions is recommended and vaccination against hepatitis B should be encouraged.

Udgivelsesdato: 1979-Apr-4, Quantitation of the erythropoiesis with radio-iron (59Fe) was applied to 9 patients with untreated myelomatosis. The method included blocking of the 59Fe reutilization by injection of non-radioactive iron. There was no uniform pattern in the Fe-kinetics values. The Plasma Iron Turnover (PIT) and the Red Blood Cell Iron Turnover (RBCIT) varied from subnormal to values markedly increased above upper normal limit. The calculated average Mean Red Cell Life time (MRCL) of erythrocytes was just below normal range. The mean Marrow Transit Time (MTT) was normal in the patients, despite subnormal venous haematocrit, indicating insufficient stimulation of the bone marrow. The renal function, measured as 51Cr-EDTA clearance, was found positively correlated to the RBCIT (r = 0.78, P less than 0.05). The results suggest that the previously demonstrated relationship between anaemia and renal failure in patients with myelomatosis is caused mainly by an inability of the bone marrow to produce sufficient red blood cells under the stress of anaemia related to the degree of renal impairment.