The fully accredited laboratory at the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital has reduced significantly the time required to fill physician orders for blood products used to treat patients. Thanks to the recent donation of the DH4 Quick Thaw Plasma Thawing System by Partners for Health, lab staff can prepare up to four units of plasma in approximately half the time previously required.
According to Maritza Donovan, medical technologist, blood plasma often is used during surgery, treatment of anemia, as well as other applications. “Because the product is stored in a frozen state,” she explains, “it requires preparation when needed. By being able to thaw quickly only the amount needed at a given time, we are able to avoid wasting unused product and to respond faster to physician orders. This enhanced capability reduces blood bank costs and improves the efficiency of patient treatment.”
Also in use is a BD Serofuge, also donated by Partners for Health. While it can be used in traditional centrifuge applications, according to Donovan, this particular blood bank centrifuge is used to help determine blood type and to cross-match units of blood for transfusion. It also aids in the detection of antibodies in a blood sample. The BD Serofuge is a replacement for a similar unit no longer in operation.
(For information, contact Maritza Donovan at 776-8311, ext. 1130.