Hello Christina,
I think for the long term solution may be to look into bring it in house, plan for the budget and license through FDA.
In the mean time, do you know much syringes you use per week? My old hospital used to stock aliquots in the NICU ward with syringes devices that has the filter. Volume was kept at 75cc, and the syringe goes up to 60cc.
Can the local supplier still provide you for irradiate blood for neonates? Can they provide you for sterile aliquots, let's say for each unit, you ask them to split into 3 equal size aliquot bags?
Coordinate with nursing, and have them pull syringes at bedside. Blood bank may be able to convert the unit before releasing to the neonate from original expiration to 24 hours expiration.
For exchange transfusion, I'd also recommend looking into how much utilization you actually have. Unfortunately, I don't have much ideas on this. I recommend taking this to the top, and indicate your solution, and beg for money to bring it in house as you have no alternative. In the mean time, temporarily cease exchange transfusion as a service while you bring that in house.
Are there no viable alternative blood supplier near you that can supply your need? Within 100 mile radius?
I am just offering these as a possible idea and strategy, please verify with accrediting agency and FDA if that keep you in compliance.
I would love to hear how you are going to overcome this.
This might also be a good time to review your service contract/agreement with your current supplier.
Good luck
Qichao Stephen Ji, MS MSc MLS(ASCP)SBB CQA(ASQ) LSSGB
Original Message:
Sent: 3/26/2025 11:16:00 AM
From: Christina Nickel
Subject: HELP - Neonatal Transfusion Services question
Hello,
My local blood bank has decided to discontinue preparing syringes for neonatal transfusions and product for neonatal exchange transfusions, and we have been given 30 days to find an alternative or make our own in house.
I don't have any capital resources to purchase the devices that will need to be purchased to do this, nor do I have time to train staff or update procedures. I have no idea how long it will take to get FDA approval to begin preparing products in house.
Can you tell me what you do in your organization and what you'd recommend?
Feel free to call me/leave a message if easier than responding in the thread - 402-481-5018
Thanks in advance!
Christy
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Christina Nickel, MHA, MLS(ASCP)cm, CPHQ
Laboratory Director
Bryan Medical Center, Lincoln NE
christina.nickel@bryanhealth.org
402-481-5018
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