Electronic remote blood issue combined with a computer-controlled, automated refrigerator for major surgery in operating theatres at a distance from the transfusion service.

BACKGROUND: The difficulty of supplying red blood cells within an adequate time to patients undergoing surgery is a known problem for transfusion services, particularly if the operating theater is located at some distance from the blood bank. The consequences frequently are that more blood is ordered than required; several units are allocated and issued; and unused units must be returned to the blood bank. Some sparse reports have demonstrated that remote blood issue systems can improve the efficiency of issuing blood. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study describes a computer-controlled, self-service, remote blood-release system, combined with an automated refrigerator, installed in a hospital at which major surgery was performed, located 5 kilometers away from the transfusion service. With this system, red blood cell units were electronically allocated to patients immediately before release, when the units actually were needed. Two 2-year periods, before and after implementation of the system, were compared. RESULTS: After implementation of the system, the ratio of red blood cell units returned to the transfusion service was reduced from 48.9% to 1.6% of the issued units (8852 of 18,090 vs. 182 of 11,152 units; p < 0.0001), and the issue-to-transfusion ratio was reduced from 1.96 to 1.02. An increase in the number of transfused red blood cell units was observed, probably mainly due to changes in the number and complexity of surgical procedures. No transfusion errors occurred in the two periods. CONCLUSION: The current results demonstrate that the remote blood-release system is safe and useful for improving the efficiency of blood issue for patients in remote operating theatres.

[Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome related to Oxalyplatin Cancer Chemotherapy responsive to Eculizumab]. / Sindrome emolitico uremica atipica secondaria a chemioterapia con Oxaliplatino responsiva a Eculizumab.

We describe the case of a patient with adenocarcinoma of the colon treated with FOLFOX-4 (5-Fluorouracil, Folinic acid, Oxalyplatin), with subsequent appearance of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). From 1999 to 2009, 13 cases of atypical HUS receiving chemotherapy with oxaliplatin have been described, as well as some sporadic cases. None of these cases has been treated with eculizumab. This is the first report of a patient with aHUS secondary to Oxalyplatin treated with Eculizumab. This treatment induced a complete remission of the syndrome and, later on, it has been discontinued with clinical and laboratory permanent remission. We identified some genetic mutations in this patient that might have a pathogenic role in the determining aHUS when associated with exposure to Oxalyplatin. Oxalyplatin withdrawal and its replacement to Irinotecan allowed the patient to receive first line chemotherapy continuation (FOLFIRI) with the same life expectancy and the same symptoms free period.

The procedures for authorisation and accreditation of Transfusion Structures and blood donation centres: what are the requisites? The experience of the Transfusion Service and AVIS blood donation centres in Ravenna.

BACKGROUND: The system of accreditation of Italian transfusion structures (Transfusion Services and blood donation centres, these latter being managed by voluntary associations) guarantees the National Health Service that the service provided to citizens, patients and donors who use these structures, is correctly authorised, meets further, additional requisites relative to the quality of health care, and that these are documented and controlled during a formal audit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present here the experience gained, in the period 2007-2009, by the Transfusion Service of the local health authority of Ravenna and of the AVIS blood donation centres in the Province of Ravenna (Italy). These blood donation centres are managed in the context of a stipulated arrangement in which agreement was reached concerning not only the purposes, but also the quality requirements of the blood product collection, the operative methods, and the indicators and surveillance of non-conformities, in order to monitor and improve the blood supply system in the province. RESULTS: Our data show that, over time, there was a improvement in the distribution of collection of whole blood across the days of the week and better training of staff, as demonstrated by a reduction in non-conformities. Analysis of the data encouraged the identification of a new organisation with computerisation of the blood donation centres and their progressive merging. CONCLUSIONS: There are numerous, precise legislative and technical indications to guarantee the quality of performances in transfusion medicine, from the collection of blood to its allocation. These indications constitute a qualified basis for the development of accreditation models whose final validation is the duty of specifically designated regional and national institutions. The procedure for obtaining accreditation, planned and carried out uniformly by the Transfusion Service and the voluntary association's donation centres was an occasion for professional staff to improve the quality of the services delivered. Collectively, these aspects have increased transparency and improved the system of blood supply in the province of Ravenna.