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September 2023 Quick Question: Hemolysis

Our September 2023 Quick Question was a poll that asked, “What unit sends most of your hemolyzed specimens?” The poll received 32 answers: Newborn ICU: 8 [25%] Emergency room: 20 [63%] Other ICU sources: 3 [9%] Remote phlebotomy site: 1 [3%] Thanks to all for your responses. Although visible plasma hemolysis may indicate in vivo […]

Quick Question Archive

FVIII-depleted Plasma with VWF

Precision BioLogic’s successful Factor VIII Deficient Plasma with VWF is now FDA-cleared for sale in the U.S. [Precision BioLogic supports Fritsma Factor]

Bleeding Disorders

Erroneous Factor Assay Order?

Here is a 9-21-23 follow-up from Dr. Emmanuel Favaloro to our provocative September 8, 2023 discussion, Arabic Numerals. “OK, here’s one from today! Specimen management staff booked the sample for factors XIII, IX, XI, and XII! FVIII was not booked in.” Bob Gosselin responded, “Whatever is chosen, there will be those industrious few who will […]

Bleeding Disorders

Arabic Numerals?

Frequent FF contributor Dave McGlasson, MS, MLS posted this comment in LinkedIn on 9/7/23. “I have noticed at recent meetings and in some journal articles that coagulation factors are sometimes referred to in Arabic instead of Roman numerals. For example F8 instead of FVIII. Has this been officially proposed as a change by any standardization […]

Coagulation Testing in Hyperviscosity

Rae Kerlin from the Ohio State University Werner Medical Center wants to provide coagulation testing for a patient who has type I cryoglobulinemia [monoclonal IgM kappa]. Rae’s team team ordered a PFA but they were unable to obtain results due to hyperviscosity. PT/PTT = 13.9/24.7. They are planning to test FVIII via the 0ne-stage clotting […]

Bleeding Disorders

Welcome Rutgers Graduate Students

Colleges, universities, medical schools, residencies, and fellowships are welcome to review and comment on our entries and services and take advantage of our Educational Modules. Beginning today, August 31, 2023, we salute 20 or more Rutgers University graduate students enrolled in CLSC 5124; Advanced Hemostasis. Our students are in Rutgers’ Masters in Clinical Laboratory Science […]

September 2023 Cheat Sheet

Here is your September 2023 Cheat Sheet, a copy of which will land in your mailbox within a few days. The Cheat Sheet introduces and reviews our Quick Question series, links to our August entries, and announces upcoming events. Enjoy!

September 2023 Quick Question: Source of Hemolyzed Specimens

Our September 2023 Quick Question is a simple poll that we hope to use to describe means to reduce specimen hemolysis. If you don’t see an answer that fits your situation, please add your comment below.

Quick Question Archive

August 2023 Quick Question: Hemolysis

Our August 2023 Quick Question was a poll that attracted 26 responses. The question was “How do you distinguish ex vivo from intravascular plasma hemolysis?” Redraw specimen: 11 [42%] Analyze plasma LDH: 0 Analyze plasma potassium: 4 [15%] Analyze plasma hemoglobin: 4 [15%] Analyze plasma haptoglobin: 7 [28%] For decades, we’ve redrawn specimens when plasma […]

Specimen Management

Anti-Xa Dilution

Marietta Tomlin asks, Can Owren-Koller buffer be used instead of normal plasma to dilute anti-Xa when the are results above linearity? And if not, can you provide information on the reasoning/mechanisms as to why not? From LaShanta Brice, DCLS, MLS (ASCP)cmSH (ASCP)cm Scientific Engagement & Clinical Education Associate, Diagnostica Stago, Inc. Because our assay uses […]

Anticoagulant Therapy

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George Fritsma is a medical laboratory scientist, educator, and author. George holds faculty appointments with Rutgers University and Michigan State University, and is a member of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, American Association of Clinical Chemists, and American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Cheat Sheets from George

Quick Question