Passing the Serology Torch

Thanks very much for your question. We are hoping to set up live webinars that will have both video and audio. Then post the "archived" webinars on BloodTechNet for anyone to access at their convenience.

Thanks for the question Shanta, Here are the details as developed so far: Passing the Torch Workshops and Webinars Total of 12 Wet/Dry Workshops held over 6 evenings, simultaneously broadcast as Webinars. Location B.C. Institute of Technology (BCIT). The video and audio recording of the Webinars to be subsequently posted on the BloodTechNet site for any technologist to access (for free) at their leisure. Approaches to Solving Common ABO Discrepancies – two 30 minute presentations: Eric Ching Disagreement between forward and reverse grouping in ABO determination is not an uncommon encounter in blood transfusion laboratories. • The first presentation will lead participants to recognize, classify and set up simple tests to resolve the common types of ABO discrepancies in a timely manner. • The second presentation will use case studies and live demonstrations to resolve common ABO discrepancies. Approaches to Solving Common Rh (D) Discrepancies – two 30 minute presentations: Eric Ching Since Stratten coined the term “Du” for weaker expression of the D antigen in 1946, the weakened forms of the D antigen have confused physicians, nurses and even general duty medical laboratory technologists. • The first presentation will provide a very brief overview on how science and technologies have changed the concept of Du to today’s differentiation of weak D and partial D. • The second presentation will focus on, practical aspects to resolve most Rho(D) discrepancies. Basics of Antibody Identification – two 30 minute presentations: Rene Pitts Antibody investigation is a vital process for providing blood most suitable for transfusion when patients possess an unexpected antibody. Performing antibody investigations are often the source of anxiety for the less experienced medical technologist and this is further compounded by the fact that today’s technologies do little to build experience and confidence in investigative procedures. Theory learned long ago is the foundation for investigation and will guide the technologist’s decisions to select the most suitable blood for transfusion. Putting cognitive skills to task is the key to successful outcomes. • The first presentation will lead technologists through the basic components of an investigation while identifying the theoretical knowledge that is needed to guide decisions. The focus is on the patient’s unidentified antibody and the components of the initial investigation. • The second presentation will focus on assigning and confirming specificity, considering clinical significance and the steps needed to select the most appropriate blood for transfusion. The science behind the process will help guide the technologist to the final outcome. Using Various Techniques to Solve More Complex Problems – two 30 minute presentations: Rene Pitts Intuition is often used to take a simple investigation forward to resolve more complex problems. Intuition comes from years of experience gained from skills practiced while exploring various reagent media and techniques. Fully and semi-automated laboratory procedures have made learning about various reagents and techniques difficult. Consequently, theoretical knowledge once learned is often lost in the new “hands off technologies” of today. • The first presentation will focus on reagents, media and various techniques commonly used to resolve the more complex antibody investigations still performed despite today’s automated environment. • The second presentation will help the learner understand how the various techniques can aid in investigation and how the technology of today has been influenced by the simple techniques of yesterday. No Conclusion, What Now? – two 30 minute presentations: Kathy O’Shea • The first presentation will look at what can be done when results of an antibody investigation are inconclusive. • The following scenarios will be discussed: when the antibody is unidentified, when things don’t seem to “add up”, when a segment is incompatible, when an antibody to a low prevalence antigen is discovered, when an antibody to a high prevalence antigen is found. Case examples and resolutions will be shown for illustration. • The second presentation will continue with discussion of some additional difficult scenarios such as multiple antibodies, warm autoantibodies, importance of full phenotypes, requests for the “perfect phenotype match” and how often to re-investigate an antibody case. Case examples and resolutions will be presented. These two presentations will give the learner a fun workout for the cases we love to hate. Investigation of a Positive Direct Antiglobulin Test – two 30 minute presentations: Sabine Hutchinson The investigation of reasons for a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and subsequent provision of a compatible (or less incompatible) red cell blood product are among the most anxiety ridden investigations that laboratory technologists become involved in. • The first presentation will be a discussion of investigation of a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) when the patient has been recently transfused and/or has a diagnosis/treatment regime that suggests a resulting positive DAT • The second presentation will be a discussion of investigation of a positive DAT when a patient may or may not have been recently transfused but does have test results that suggest the presence of an autoimmune disorder with or without a demonstrable hemolytic anemia.

There are six different topics: Approaches to Solving Common ABO Discrepancies. Approaches to Solving Common Rh (D) Discrepancies. Basics of Antibody Identification. Using Various Techniques to Solve More Complex Problems. No Conclusion, What Now? Investigation of a Positive Direct Antiglobulin Test.