The influence of conditions utilized to hold apheresis and whole blood-derived platelet samples before platelet enumeration with three hematology analyzers.

Background: The Advia 120 (Siemens Diagnostics) hematology analyzer is different from other hematology analyzers in that it requires platelets (PLTs) to be "effectively spherical" to be counted. Our study evaluated how PLT counts with this hematology analyzer and two other models were influenced by the holding of PLT product samples.

Study Design And Methods: Samples were prepared from apheresis PLT products (APs) collected in ACD-A and from whole blood-derived PLT concentrates (PCs) in CP2D or ACD-A.

Bacterial contamination of whole-blood-derived platelets: the introduction of sample diversion and prestorage pooling with culture testing in the American Red Cross.

Background: Bacterial sepsis following whole blood-derived platelet (WBP) transfusion has remained a substantial patient risk, primarily due to a lack of practical and effective means to limit or detect bacterial contamination. We describe the risk of reported septic reactions to WBPs and the introduction of prestorage-pooled whole blood-derived platelets (PSPs) collected using initial sample diversion and cultured for bacterial contamination.

Study Design And Methods: Product qualification and quality control (QC) testing with the Acrodose PL system (Pall Medical) were evaluated in four regional blood centers.

Reevaluation of the resting time period when preparing whole blood-derived platelet concentrates with the platelet-rich plasma method.

Background: The resting of platelet (PLT) pellets during the preparation of whole blood-derived PLT concentrates (PCs) is considered an essential step. A reevaluation of the rest period was conducted because preparation and storage conditions have been modified during the past 20 years.

Study Design And Methods: A two-site in vitro study (Study 1) was conducted with rest times of 0 to 5 minutes, 1 hour, and 4 hours (n = 31-33 per rest period).

Straight talk: new approaches in healthcare. Are you in denial over your denials? Enhance your revenues with denial management.

Most health systems lose between 3% and 5% of net revenues as a result of payment denials from insurance companies. But it doesn't have to be that way. In the eighth installment of Straight Talk, we talk about the steps necessary to recover lost revenue through a denial-management program, which involves an investment in information technology and a commitment to business-process change.