Transfusion
-
Hemoglobin (Hb) solutions are potential alternatives to blood transfusion when native oxygen (O(2))-carrying capacity is lacking. Polymerized bovine Hb (PBH) solutions are characterized by its vasoactivity, low O(2) affinity, oncotic effect, prolonged shelf life, and stability. Responses to facilitated O(2) transport, after exchange transfusion with PBH, were studied in the hamster window chamber model during acute extreme anemia to determine how PBH affects microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation. ⋯ Further studies to establish acellular Hb optimal dosage, efficacy, safety, and effects on outcome are indicated before these solutions are implemented in routine practice.
-
Multicenter Study
Staff attitudes about event reporting and patient safety culture in hospital transfusion services.
Little is known about how transfusion service staff view issues pertaining to event reporting and patient safety. The goal of this study was to assess transfusion service staff attitudes about these issues. ⋯ Overall, the transfusion services had very positive attitudes about event reporting and safety culture. Transfusion services do well recording events that result in patient harm or have the potential for harm, but there is a need to increase reporting of deviations from procedures and mistakes that staff catch and correct on their own. In addition, there are a few areas of safety culture that warrant improvement, particularly the transfusion service's work relationship with nursing staff. The study provides useful descriptive information about how staff view event reporting and safety-related issues and identifies strengths and areas for improvement.
-
Blood transfusion after traumatic injury can result in microchimerism (MC) of donor white cells (WBCs) in the recipient as late as 2 to 3 years postinjury, the longest prospective follow-up to date. The purpose of this study was to determine how long transfusion-associated MC lasts after traumatic injury. ⋯ Transfusion for combat-related injury can result in MC that lasts for 60 years, suggesting that it may involve permanent engraftment. MC is rare among male blood donors who did not receive transfusions, who are probably representative of individuals who have not had postnatal allogeneic exposures.