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* Context.--Rh(D)-negative women with a large fetomaternal hemmorrahage (FMH) from an Rh(D)-positive fetus are at risk for anti-D alloimmunization if they do not receive adequate Rh immune glbulin (RhIG). Determination of the adequate RhIG dose for these women is a critical laboratory procedure for protecting their future Rh(D)-positive children. Objective.--To determine how often laboratories recommended an inaccurate dose of RhIG for excess FMH. Design.--Nearly 1600 laboratories using the College of American Pathologists' proficiency testing for fetal red blood cell detection were surveyed to determine (1) their calculation method and (2) the number of RhIG doses recommended for a survey specimen, based on their measured percentage of fetal red blood cells. We surveyed nearly 1450 laboratories for their accuracy in determining RhIG dose, using 2 common calculation methods we provided. Results.--The AABB Technical Manual method was used by 67% of responding laboratories. However, 20.7% of laboratories using this method would have recommended an inaccurate dose of RhIG--11.5% too much and 9.2% too little--for the level of FMH reported in the survey specimen. If all laboratories had used the common recommendation of 300 [micro]g/30 mL of fetal blood present, 2% would have recommended RhIG doses too low for the volume of FMH they measured. In 3 of the 4 calculation exercises we provided, 20% to 30% of laboratories underestimated the necessary dose of RhIG. Conclusions.--Based on our surveys, some mothers with excess FMH may be receiving inaccurate doses of RhIG. Laboratories performing quantification of FMH should review their procedures and training for calculating RhIG dosage. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2009;133:465-469), Rh immune globulin (RhIG) provides prophylaxis against alloimmunization to the D blood group antigen in Rh(D)-negative patients who are exposed to Rh(D)-positive red blood cells (RBCs) by pregnancy or transfusion. [...]

Several new methods have been developed recently in an attempt to more carefully screen blood to minimize transfusion- associated diseases. Increased awareness of the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus thought to be responsible for the development of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), through the transfusion of blood has prompted some peer review committees in health facilities to monitor more closely the appropriateness of transfusions. Transfusion policies differ from one institution to another according to the types of patients treated and the availability of blood products and supporting laboratory services. Despite this variation in levels of need and usage, it is recommended that all health care institutions establish specific criteria for developing and auditing procedures to determine when therapeutic transfusions should be administered. Because of the relatively recent increase in concern regarding the HIV infection, many healthcare facilities have not yet developed new guidelines to respond to it. It is suggested that more specific indications and audit criteria be developed for each type of blood component that is transfused and that any areas of controversy be examined. A method for assessing the need for transfusion should be clearly outlined and all health care professionals should be made aware of the procedures to achieve a more thorough and more coordinated effort in preventing unnecessary blood transfusions.

The article discusses a survey evaluation of A.C. Kinsey report. In order to obtain an overall evaluation of the A.C. Kinsey research project from a group of qualified psychologists, a mailed questionnaire was sent to every Fellow member of the Division of Clinical and Abnormal Psychology of the "American Psychological Association." A few criticisms were to the effect that the Kinsey interpretations were not in accord with his published data. In all such comments not a single specific example was cited, and therefore no evaluation can be made or is demanded of such generalized criticisms. Some criticize Kinsey for not exploring certain concepts inherent in certain theories of psycho-sexuality. Kinsey clearly describes the purpose of his study as being a fact-finding survey of what people do sexually.

This article focuses on public opinion and information concerning mental health. In order to study certain opinions related to mental illness, an interview questionnaire was constructed which contained nine basic questions pertaining to the problem. These questions were designed to explore the causative factors which the public associates with mental disease, and to sample opinions and attitudes concerning mental illness. In addition, several questions were asked in order to determine the sex, race, age, educational level, religious affiliation, country of birth and occupational level of the respondent. The final draft of the questionnaire was established after pre-testing on preliminary forms. None of the data collected before the final draft is included in this report. This paper reports the findings obtained from six of the nine questions.

The article presents a description and evaluation of the psychological screening service at the AAF Convalescent Center, Pawling, New York that is mandatory for patients to pass. Since most of the patients in this center are overseas casualties many of the problems which they present are related to their combat experiences, service overseas and their disabilities. All patients except neuropsychiatric cases are screened after they have been in the center for approximately two weeks. All the screening is done by trained psychologists who are under the direct supervision of the neuropsychiatric advisor of the Center.