Cost comparison of methods for preparation of neonatal red cell aliquots.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the preparation costs of two common methods used for neonatal red blood cell transfusion aliquots.

Methods: Three months of data from a Level 2 and Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were used to determine the comparative cost for red cell aliquot transfusions using an eight bag aliquot/transfer system or the syringe set system. Using leuko-poor red blood cell blood collected in Adsol and containing approximately 320 ml of red blood cells and supernatant solution, the average cost of neonatal transfusion aliquots was determined using the Charter Medical syringe set and the Charter Medical eight bag aliquot/transfer system.

Endemic goiter in pregnant women: utility of the simplified classification of thyroid size by palpation and urinary iodine as screening tests.

Objective: To validate urinary iodine (I) excretion and the simplified classification of goiter by palpation, comparing them with ultrasound of the thyroid gland as the gold standard, to identify endemic goiter in pregnant women.

Population And Setting: 300 pregnant women identified in referral hospitals, in three geographic regions.

Methods: Two endocrinologists, previously trained, evaluated thyroid size by palpation and by ultrasound.