Blood Management and the Importance of the Mighty Mouse Team

Just recently, I had the honor and the privilege of touring and meeting some of the key stakeholders at Lexington Medical Center Laboratory Services in Columbia, South Carolina. I met with the Clinical Lab Director, Administrative Lab Director and the Transfusion Service Supervisor. Their enthusiasm, knowledge and excitement in setting up a Blood Management program are what inspired me to write this newsletter. Yes, we may call them “lab rats”; but to me they are the “Mighty Mouse” of a multi-disciplinary Blood Management team. These clinicians are focused on quality and accurate results.

Over the course of many years, I have dedicated myself to setting up Blood Management programs at multiple hospitals. I have been blessed with the support of laboratory services in all of these programs. Together we have won multiple awards for quality and safety in patient care. Yes, many hospitals have Transfusion Committees; but once they see the overall scope of a Blood Management program, they realize this is not the same animal. Let’s focus on some of the vital subjects in which Laboratory Services contribute to a Blood Management program.

Data is one of the key factors in a Blood Management program. This data includes: STS data, product evaluation data, study data and most importantly blood product utilization data. In working with Laboratory Services and Blood Bankers over the years, we have derived algorithms and excel charts to track blood product usage. This data provides the Blood Management Team with the ability to track the overall success of the program. It not only gives us the direct cost, but also the overall utilization cost of transfusion therapy.

Point of care (POC) is another key weapon in a successful Blood Management Program. POC includes everything from coagulation analyzers (TEG), gas analyzers (Epocal), to even anticoagulation monitors (Hepcon). These systems must be set up properly with education, validation and quality controls to work successfully. Laboratory service in conjunction with Perfusion Services working together can make this happen.

Forms, documents, policies and procedures are another valuable and crucial part of Blood Management. Hospitals are now under the watchful eye of Joint Commission, CLIA and AABB in regard to their Blood Management practices. Joint Commission just recently released its seven new guidelines on Blood Management. These guidelines range from obtaining the proper consents to physician orders in blood products. Something as simple as “Type & Screen” versus “Crossmatch” education can be a huge contributory factor to a Blood Management program. In many of these institutions, we have reviewed, rewritten and revamped all these documents to meet state and federal guidelines. Again, Lab and the Blood Management team working in alliance can make the difference.

Blood providers, working together with the Lab and Blood Management team are also key stakeholders. Remember, there are blood shortages nation-wide. By setting up successful blood drives, we can have the blood products we need and reduce the cost in contract negotiations. The Lab can also develop efficient notification forms when shortages arise.

In conclusion, the lab and blood bank are a vital part of the Blood Management program. My relationship with them in every organization has been stellar. Like “Mighty Mouse” when you call, they respond, and this may save your day.

Please feel free to provide feedback, or if you have any other questions or comments, to Perfusion.com regarding this topic or any other topic you would like to see presented here.

Best Regards,

C. Ty Walker, CPBMT, CCP
Blood Management Director
Perfusion.com, Inc.
twalker@perfusion.com