Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19: A Single Center Prospective Experience with Serial Antibody Measurements and Review of the Literature.

Background: High-titer convalescent plasma given early for COVID-19 may decrease progression into a severe infection. Here, we reported a study of serial antibody measurements in patients who received CP at our center and performed a systematic review of randomized trials on CP. Methods: Our center participated in the Mayo Clinic Expanded Access Program for COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma.

Successful Treatment of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Concomitant with Proliferation of Epstein-Barr Virus in a Post-Heart Transplant Patient.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare complication following heart transplantation and has been attributed to several etiologies including infections, immunosuppressive medications, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders. We report a 23-year-old male presenting 22 years after heart transplantation with severe AIHA. Laboratory findings were notable for positive IgG autoantibody against RBCs and high titer Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viremia.

Using Lean Six Sigma to Decrease Delivery Time of Blood Products to the Operating Room.

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a process improvement strategy used in many industries. Its goal is to improve performance and quality by eliminating waste, optimizing flow, and reducing variability. This article describes LSS methods and their application in health care.

Development of a real-time quantitative PCR assay for detection of a stable genomic region of BK virus.

Background: BK virus infections can have clinically significant consequences in immunocompromised individuals. Detection and monitoring of active BK virus infections in certain situations is recommended and therefore PCR assays for detection of BK virus have been developed. The performance of current BK PCR detection assays is limited by the existence of viral polymorphisms, unknown at the time of assay development, resulting in inconsistent detection of BK virus.

Streptococcus agalactiae sepsis after transfusion of a plateletpheresis concentrate: benefit of donor evaluation.

Background: Bacterial contamination of platelet (PLT) components is an important cause of transfusion reactions. Recent efforts have focused on heightened surveillance to detect contamination before transfusion to limit recipient morbidity and mortality. Although identifying the cause of contamination is most often viewed in the context of recipient safety, this case illustrates the importance of a thorough evaluation on donor safety.