Micro Typing System
Enhanced cGMP compliance
The ID-Micro Typing System™ (ID-MTS) by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics uses proven technology to bring a new level of sensitivity, specificity, and standardization to blood bank serological testing. The gel test eliminates technique-dependent variables that can affect test sensitivity and specificity. Clear, stable, well-defined end points mean objective, consistent, and reproducible interpretation of test results as well as a reduction in repeats. Additionally, the ID-MTS gel test aids laboratories in addressing regulatory issues. Enhanced cGMP compliance is attained through standardization procedures and simplified training. Minimal handling of reagents and samples increases biosafety, while test-performance verification, validation guidance, and NCCLS-formatted SOPs are provided to ensure easy implementation. The ID-MTS gel test requires fewer procedural steps, making it easier to perform and more cost-efficient than other serological methods. In addition, reduced handling means fewer operator errors and more objective interpretation of results. The result is optimized use of personnel, simplified training, and increased cross-training opportunities for improved productivity and greater workflow efficiency. The ID-MTS is suitable for a broad range of blood-bank applications, including antibody screening and identification, ABO blood grouping, Rh phenotyping, compatibility testing, reverse serum grouping, and antigen typing.
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
(800) 828-6316; www.orthoclinical.com

Blood Bank Information System
For small- to midsize blood banks
Psyche System’s 510(k)-approved systematic blood bank (SBB) software is an easy-to-use, complete transfusion service system delivered affordably as a hosted solution. SBB was specifically designed to help small to midsize blood banks cost-efficiently achieve the advantages of a complete blood bank system. The software can interface to the laboratory’s current laboratory information system (LIS), or is offered as an integral part of LabWeb, Psyche Systems’ hosted LIS. Hosted SBB offers a wide range of standard features designed to streamline many of the routinely manual, time-consuming tasks associated with blood bank protocol, without the need to maintain additional hardware or servers. It features complete inventory management, supports patient history look-up, and has full audit trail capabilities and multitiered privilege levels for robust system security. The software follows both the American Red Cross’s and ISBT128 guidelines for component numbering.
Psyche Systems
(800) 345-1514; www.psychesystems.com

Compact 96/384 Channel Pipettor
Transfers samples with a press of a button
The Hydra DT is a small benchtop pipettor capable of transferring 96 or 384 samples with a single press of a button. Compatible with the company’s complete line of DARTs tips, the automated pipettor eliminates carryover when used with sterile, nonsterile, and filtered sterile disposable tips. This modular system allows a very broad dynamic volume range and is compatible with Hydra II accessories, including the three-position stage and the eDrop single-channel dispenser. Benefits include the ability to transfer 96 or 384 samples at once; dynamic volume range with simple tip changes; a wide variety of disposable tip options; a compact design that requires minimal bench space; a comfortable fit into standard biological safety cabinets, even when installed with optional three-position plate stage; intuitive ControlMate software, which makes the system easy to use; and a touch-pad programming option, which eliminates the need for a PC.
Matrix Technologies Corp
(866) 229 9770; www.matrixtechcorp.com

Blood Bank Modules
Manages data across diagnostic enterprises
Misys Laboratory™ is a high-performance information system designed to effectively manage data across the entire diagnostic enterprise to increase patient safety and improve productivity. The system’s blood-bank module automates a hospital's complete transfusion service, providing a total solution that allows health care providers to better manage blood products issued to patients in a hospital or centralized transfusion service. Features include multi-facility inventory control, automation, and patient-safety measures through quality-assurance triggers that prevent distribution of inappropriate blood products. Additionally, the blood-bank donor module is a comprehensive online donor service that addresses the needs of regional blood centers while being readily adaptable for the small hospital. It features autologous/directed unit capabilities, inventory control, quality-assurance checking, and management reports to automate collection procedures and help manage blood-product inventories. The donor software also provides functional branching to suit individual site operations, automatic status-change from confidential deferral to site-specific status, user-definable miscellaneous prompts, and response validations.
Misys Healthcare Systems
(866) 647-9787; www.misyshealthcare.com

Data-Management Program
For use with BacT/ALERT
BacT/VIEW, a complete data-management program for use with BacT/ALERT, has an easy to learn and operate touch-screen interface. Collecting data, launching routine tasks, loading and unloading bottles, and customizing reports are all straightforward. There is no need to memorize commands or routines. A single computer system with BacT/VIEW can control up to nine microbiological units. Users can connect BacT/VIEW directly to a laboratory information system using BacT/LINK. Automation—a key element—simplifies operations, reduces human error, and enhances safety. All operations are performed from a single computer with easy-to-use BacT/VIEW software. Handling is reduced to an absolute minimum. Personnel need only load and unload the culture bottles when signaled. Preprocessing is not required. Specimen volumes can be inoculated directly into the culture bottle.
bioMérieux
(800) 682-2666; www.biomerieux.com

Blood Bank Refrigerators
Offer stable temperature control
SANYO blood bank refrigerators are designed to conform to AABB criteria and have stable and reliable temperature control using SANYO original technology. A highly efficient compressor, designed and developed by SANYO, provides rapid cooling and quiet performance for each model. Temperature is controlled by two sensors located in the liquid-loaded monitor bottles, which are in the shape of a blood bag. Two thermistor sensors constantly monitor temperature in both the upper and lower chamber. The refrigerator’s microprocessor control ensures the most accurate temperature control available. A multi airflow plenum system in larger-capacity models (MBR-704GR, MBR-1404GR) ensures excellent temperature uniformity. The refrigerators feature temperature-maintained defrost designed with thermal sensors and heaters on the evaporator, all under precise microprocessor control. The SANYO MBR series are designed to minimize cold air loss even with frequent door openings. Separated transparent inner doors minimize the chamber air leakage during door openings. Foamed-in-place insulation in the walls and magnetic-sealed outer doors with double-pane glass window prevent chamber air leakage and promote complete door closings. A large air circulation fan enables rapid temperature recovery after door openings; the MBR-1404GR has a double fan. Additionally, a fluorescent interior lamp with an ON/OFF switch and a large view window in the outer door provide a clear view of stored items. The digital display is easy to see, and it can be calibrated through the control panel.
SANYO Scientific
(800) 858-8442; www.sanyo.com

Decapper and Recapper
For preanalytical and postanalytical automation
The new Sarstedt Decapper DC 1200 is a benchtop or stand-alone unit that decaps closures from a wide range of screw cap, push cap, or evacuated tubes. This laboratory automation system provides simple, rapid, and safe processing of up to 1,200 tubes per hour, reducing the risk of repetitive motion injuries and accidental exposures. Multiple tube sizes and styles can be processed simultaneously, and operation is simplified by a single keypad and LCD display. Tubes are loaded onto the unit in racks. The Decapper DC 1200 removes caps and collects them hygienically into biohazard bags for safe disposal. After decapping is complete, racks can be placed directly onto analyzers. Sarstedt’s Recapper RC 1200 is also a benchtop or stand-alone unit that accommodates a broad range of tube sizes and styles and processes up to 1,200 tubes per hour. The recapper places a universal anti-evaporation cap, which accommodates tube diameters from 11 mm to 16 mm, onto open tubes for storage. Both instruments can be adapted to fit standard linear analyzer racks, eliminating additional transfer of opened tubes. Minimal maintenance is required.
Sarstedt
(800) 257-5101

Blood-Bank Saline
For use in immunohematologic testing procedures
Studies show that in blood-bank procedures, saline with a pH comparable to that of human blood creates a test environment that allows cell reactions to occur as they would in vivo. Published articles suggest that weak cell reactions may be masked if the saline’s pH value is too low. NERL Diagnostics’ blood-bank saline is buffered to a pH of 7.0 to 7.2 to match the pH of human blood and to help enhance weak agglutination reactions. It remains stable without preservatives and is available in 10-L and 20-L Cubitainer containers with spigots for ease of use.
NERL Diagnostics
www.nerl.com; (800) 556-7575

Blood Band Solutions
Decrease blood-transfusion errors
Securline^® Blood Band and Securlink^® Blood Recipient Systems from Precision Dynamics Corp increase patient safety by decreasing blood-transfusion errors. Both systems provide security and accuracy while streamlining processes, reducing labor, saving time, and preventing processing errors. They also help prevent patient and blood misidentification with maximum security, accuracy, and comfort. The systems meet industry standards, including those recommended by HIPAA, JCAHO, and the American Hospital Association. They also offer alpha and numeric serialization to help reduce the chance of human error in mismatching blood specimens.
Precision Dynamics Corp
(800) 772-1122; www.pdc-healthcare.com

Handheld Donor-Screening Device
Measures hematocrit
UltraCrit from Separation Technology Inc is the first and only hematocrit or hemoglobin device to use ultrasound technology. The device has shown a bias versus a CBC better than 0.4% at three separate user sites, making it as accurate as large, automated hematology systems. The device was specifically designed for blood banks. Knowing that donor Hct/Hb deferrals are a primary concern, the UltraCrit will ensure that donors are accurately accepted and deferred. Extensive tests have shown its accuracy at equal to or less than 0.4% Hct and precision at equal to or less than 0.8% CV at 41 Hct. UltraCrit results from finger-stick samples are highly correlated to the cell counter’s results on venous samples.
The UltraCrit uses a single-use cuvette. A drop of blood is wicked into the cuvette, which is then inserted into the device. The measurement process takes about half a minute. No extensive training is required, and there is minimal chance of human error. The single-use cuvettes come in low-, normal-, and high-level vials; have a 15-month shelf life; contain no chemicals; require no refrigeration or mixing; and are nonbiohazardous. The device is currently pending 510(k) clearance from the FDA.
Separation Technology Inc
(800) 777-6668; www.separationtechnology.com

Blood Bank Instrument
Fully automated with high throughput
Galileo is the next-generation, fully automated blood bank instrument from ImmucorGamma. Galileo offers Instant Access^SM, high throughput, and quick turnaround time with real-time results. The Dynamic Scheduler allows loading of samples, reagents, or supplies at any time without disrupting tests already in progress. Galileo’s broad test menu includes blood typing, antibody screening, three antibody-identification panels, donor confirmation, cross match, DAT, and weak D testing. The only blood-bank system to offer reflex testing, Galileo can be configured to order a weak D test for a negative RH result and an antibody-identification panel for a positive antibody screen result. Accurate test results are achieved through ImmucorGamma’s Capture^® solid-phase technology and full process controls throughout the testing process.
Immucor Inc
(770) 441-2051; www.immucor.com

TRALI Antibody Evaluation
Catches passive transfer of HSL or neutrophil-specific antibodies
Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious and potentially fatal transfusion reaction. The majority of TRALI cases may be triggered by passive transfer of HLA or neutrophil-specific antibodies. In a subset of cases, the causative antibodies are present in the recipient and react with transfused cellular material. Contrasting plasma samples between donor(s) and patient(s) can be very helpful in the evaluation of a suspected TRALI case and is critical for appropriate donor management. Symptoms of TRALI usually develop within 2 hours of transfusion. TRALI is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality rates and accounts for 13% of all transfusion deaths reported to the FDA.
Some clinically important antibodies are missed by traditional lymphocytotoxic assays. Flow cytometry is a highly sensitive method for the detection of neutrophil antibodies and HLA antibodies. Neutrophil-antibody testing is complex, labor intensive, and typically performed only in specialized reference laboratories. The Platelet and Neutrophil Immunology Laboratory at BloodCenter of Wisconsin performs complete flow-cytometric testing for the detection of neutrophil antibodies and HLA Class I & II antibodies in donor and patient plasma.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin
(800) 245-3117; www.bcw.edu