Excessive use of preoperative blood type and antibody screening: A retrospective observational study conducted in a hospital in Norway.

Introduction: This study aimed to identify the blood transfusion rates for several surgical procedures in a single district general hospital and assess the value of preoperative blood type and antibody screen across all relevant surgical procedures. We hypothesized that there was an overuse of blood type and antibody screen in our general surgical population.

Methods: A database containing transfusions of patients who underwent elective- or emergency surgery from January 2015 to September 2020 was matched to a database of preoperative type-and-screen performed in the same period.

Haemolytic transfusion reactions caused by non-ABO red cell antibodies reported to the Norwegian Haemovigilance System 2004-2020.

Background And Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the reports received in the Norwegian Haemovigilance System from 2004 to 2020 on acute and delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions caused by non-ABO red cell antibodies.

Materials And Methods: Antibody specificity, clinical symptoms and outcomes were included when available.

Results: After transfusion of 3.

The Norwegian experience with nationwide implementation of fetal RHD genotyping and targeted routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis.

Objectives: To reduce the risk of RhD alloimmunization during the last trimester of pregnancy, a targeted routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP) programme was implemented in Norway in 2016. Here, we present and discuss our experience with the nationwide implementation of the programme, and report sample uptake and preliminary data of de novo anti-D in pregnancy.

Background: The targeted RAADP was advised by the academic community and evaluated by the health authorities.

[Thromboelastography - useful in cases of bleeding?].

Blood products are a limited resource. A number of studies have shown that the use of thromboelastography (TEG) may reduce the need for blood transfusions. The analysis can be used in acute situations in patients with massive haemorrhage as a guide to transfusion therapy.

Tromboelastography: variability and relation to conventional coagulation test in non-bleeding intensive care unit patients.

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients usually have abnormal biochemical and hematological laboratory test results as a consequence of organ dysfunction and underlying disease. Thromboelastography (TEG®) is a point-of-care laboratory analysis that gives an overview of several aspects of the coagulation process. In order to be able to perform a clinical interpretation of abnormal TEG® results the expected values from non-bleeding ICU patients should be known.

What is happening? The evolving role of the blood bank in the management of the bleeding patient: The impact of TEG as an early diagnostic predictor for bleeding.

Despite recent advances in the understanding and treatment of coagulopathy, the management of the bleeding patient remains as a major challenge. Traditionally, the main task of the blood bank has been to guarantee the supply of high quality blood and blood components/products to the hospital. Decisions regarding the use of blood components have always been the clinicians' responsibility, with little active involvement of the transfusion service.

Comparison of three point-of-care testing devices to detect hemostatic changes in adult elective cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study.

Background: Bleeding complications in cardiac surgery may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Traditional blood coagulation tests are not always suitable to detect rapid changes in the patient's coagulation status. Point-of-care instruments such as the TEG (thromboelastograph) and RoTEM (thromboelastometer) have been shown to be useful as a guide for the clinician in the choice of blood products and they may lead to a reduction in the need for blood transfusion, contributing to better patient blood management.

Eight years with haemovigilance in Norway. What have we learnt?

The purpose of a haemovigilance system is to identify complications related to transfusion or blood donation, analyze them and learn in order to avoid complications in the future. The Norwegian Haemovigilance System (Troll) started as a voluntary, professionally led reporting system in 2004. In 2007 haemovigilance became an authority task, according to the EU blood directive, and reporting of serious adverse reactions and serious adverse events became mandatory.

A prospective observational cohort safety study of 5106 platelet transfusions with components prepared with photochemical pathogen inactivation treatment.

Background: Inactivation of pathogens and white blood cells in platelet (PLT) components with amotosalen and UVA light (INTERCEPT, Cerus Europe BV) has entered clinical practice in European blood centers. A prospective cohort study was implemented to characterize the safety profile of this new PLT component in a broad patient population.

Study Design And Methods: Apheresis or buffy-coat PLT components were leukoreduced, suspended in approximately 35 percent plasma and 65 percent PLT additive solution, and treated with the INTERCEPT process.