A new blood storage tracking system was implemented at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Tuesday 25 January.
The Haemonetics BloodTrack System is designed to improve efficiency and safety of storing and releasing blood components.
As part of the project new fridges and /or new kiosks have been installed across the site:
The system is simple and easy to use, provides a full audit trail and a more robust way of monitoring the cold chain of blood components.
This has also allowed the use of Emergency O RhD positive alongside O RhD negative red cells in some areas.
From Monday May 6th the QE Laboratories will now be using the Abbott Alinity analysers to provide biochemistry and serology services. The results are largely comparable to the previous Roche results, however some reference ranges and interpretation guidance has changed.
For the core routine analytes the laboratory has adopted the nationally agreed Pathology Harmony reference ranges:
The reference ranges for
PTH: 1.6 - 7.2 pmol/L
CA199: < 37 KU/L
have changed.
High Sensitive Troponin T has changed to High Senstive Troponin I
Troponin results cannot be used in isolation to diagnose or rule out an ACS. Please use the HEART score and refer to cardiologist or cardiology nurse practitioner if advice is required.
Microbiology will endeavour to perform additional tests on specimens (except Serology) at the request of medical staff and if we are contacted within 48 hours of receipt. Serology specimens are processed, in most cases, by Biochemistry and so are an exception unless from an out-patient where the test would affect their management.
The feasibility of performing extra tests on a specimen is reliant on there being sufficient material, that the specimen is appropriate for the test and that it is still available. Consideration should be given to resubmitting specimens that can easily be obtained unless, in the interim, antibiotics have been administered.
Queen Elizabeth pathology services are are based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital - University Hospitals Birmingham - Edgbaston. The laboratories are part of a wider laboratory grouping for University Hospitals Birmingham, which includes laboratories from Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital (HGS Laboratories). All laboratories are ISO 15189 accreditated for their listed repertoire, unless otherwise noted. Site specific information can be accessed below.