A rapid ABO and RhD test demonstrates high fidelity to blood bank testing for RhD typing.

BACKGROUND: The rapid provision of blood products is life-saving for patients with massive hemorrhage. Ideally, RhD-negative blood products would be supplied to a woman of childbearing potential whose Rh type is unknown due to the risk of D-alloimmunization and the potential for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn to occur if RhD-positive blood products are transfused. Therefore, there is a need for a test that rapidly determines her RhD type. This study compared the RhD type determined using a rapid ABO and RhD test to the RhD type determined by an immunohematology reference laboratory. METHODS: After receiving ethics review board approval, 200 random, unique, deidentified patient samples that had undergone routine pretransfusion testing in an immunohematology reference laboratory using column agglutination technology were collected and tested using a rapid ABO and RhD test (Eldoncard Home kit 2511). The RhD typing results from these two methods were compared to determine the accuracy of the rapid ABO and RhD test. RESULTS: The rapid ABO and RhD test produced results that were concordant with the transfusion service's results in 199/200 (99.5%) of cases, with a negative predictive value of 98.2% and 99.3% sensitivity. The single outlier was likely an RhD variant due to its serological characteristics. DISCUSSION: These data indicate that this rapid ABO and RhD test could be used for the rapid determination of a patient's RhD type, perhaps even in the emergency department, which could guide the selection of blood products provided during their resuscitation.

The Impact of an Educational Video in Arabic Language on Patients' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Genetic Testing for Cancer Therapy.

Rapid advances in cancer genetics are paving the way towards personalized cancer management, and genetic testing is now an important decision-making tool. Despite the advantages, genetic testing adds a layer of complexity in the management which is difficult to communicate with patients. The variability health literacy among patients may restrict their engagement in genetic procedures. Improving the language and presentation of genomic concepts can influence patients' risk assessment and willingness to undergo testing. The study aimed to compare the knowledge and attitudes of cancer patients presenting to oncology clinics at The American University of Beirut Medical Center before and after watching a short educational video that clarifies the concepts of genetic mutations, genetic testing technique, and its purposes.Twenty-nine adult patients presenting to the oncology clinics and due to receive somatic or germline genetic testing filled a questionnaire which assesses their knowledge and attitudes before and after the educational video was played. The majority of patients had poor baseline knowledge before the intervention. After watching the video, the percentage of patients with poor knowledge decreased to a minimum of 3.4% and a maximum of 39% for each concept. Mean score for attitude questions also increased significantly. Effective patient education and counseling programs in the patients' native language prior to genetic testing can increase knowledge, decrease hesitancy, and improve clinical decision making. A short educational video is an example of a simple intervention towards an inclusive approach in patient care all over the world.

Long wavelength light exposure reduces systemic inflammation coagulopathy, and acute organ injury following polytrauma in mice.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that variation in light exposure strongly influences the dynamic of inflammation, coagulation, and the immune system. Polytrauma induces systemic inflammation that can lead to end-organ injury. Here, we hypothesize that alterations in light exposure influence post-trauma inflammation, coagulopathy, and end-organ injury. METHODS: Study Type: Original Research Article. Level of Evidence: Basic Science (Level IV).C57BL/6 mice underwent a validated polytrauma and hemorrhage model performed following 72 hours of exposure to red (617 nm, 1,700lux), blue (321 nm, 1,700lux), and fluorescent white light (300lux) (n = 6-8/group). The animals were sacrificed at 6 h post-trauma. Plasma samples were evaluated and compared for pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels, coagulation parameters, markers of liver and renal injury, and histological changes (Carstairs staining). One-way ANOVA statistical tests were applied to compare study groups. RESULTS: Pre-exposure to long-wavelength red light significantly reduced the inflammatory response at 6 hours post-polytrauma compared to blue and ambient light, as evidenced by decreased levels of IL-6, MCP-1 (both p < 0.001), liver injury markers (ALT, p < 0.05), and kidney injury markers (cystatin C, p < 0.01). Additionally, Carstairs staining of organ tissues revealed milder histological changes in the red light-exposed group, indicating reduced end-organ damage. Furthermore, PT was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and fibrinogen levels were better maintained (p < 0.01) in the red light-exposed mice compared to those exposed to blue and ambient light. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic light exposure can be optimized to reduce systemic inflammation, coagulopathy and minimize acute organ injury following polytrauma. Understanding the mechanisms by which light exposure attenuates inflammation may provide a novel strategy to reducing trauma related morbidity.