The Sue Johnson knowledge bomb continues as she shows us how to choose compatible blood products and TEST them to make sure they are compatible. Plus, Sue tackles real-world case examples!

Sue Johnson

Susan Johnson, MTSM, MT(ASCP)SBB

In episode 050CE, Sue Johnson took us through the first two steps of pretransfusion testing (specimen preparation and collection, as well as antibody detection methods). This episode builds on that start and concludes our discussion with some great case examples.

The Last Three Steps of Pretransfusion Testing

Sue starts this interview with a discussion of how to use the information gained in step 2 (ABO, Rh, and unexpected antibody status) to choose the most compatible product for a blood recipient. She shares tips and tricks to best practice in choosing red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Then, Sue describes the ins and outs of compatibility testing (the test we all call the “crossmatch”), including a nuts and bolts description of both forms of the serologic crossmatch (“Immediate-spin” and “AHG”). She then describes the computer (or “electronic”) crossmatch, and tells us why she thinks it is the very BEST crossmatch! Finally, Sue briefly outlines some labeling requirements.

But Wait, There’s MORE!

In the last half of this interview, I hit Sue with six cases designed to illustrate some of the more common challenges that we encounter in compatibility testing, and Sue handled them like a pro! Don’t miss the chance to hear a master at work, showing you exactly how to manage unexpected findings either in the crossmatch itself or with other tests related to the crossmatch.

Sue Johnson

Susan Johnson, MTSM, MT(ASCP)SBB

In episode 050CE, Sue Johnson took us through the first two steps of pretransfusion testing (specimen preparation and collection, as well as antibody detection methods). This episode builds on that start and concludes our discussion with some great case examples.

The Last Three Steps of Pretransfusion Testing

Sue starts this interview with a discussion of how to use the information gained in step 2 (ABO, Rh, and unexpected antibody status) to choose the most compatible product for a blood recipient. She shares tips and tricks to best practice in choosing red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Then, Sue describes the ins and outs of compatibility testing (the test we all call the “crossmatch”), including a nuts and bolts description of both forms of the serologic crossmatch (“Immediate-spin” and “AHG”). She then describes the computer (or “electronic”) crossmatch, and tells us why she thinks it is the very BEST crossmatch! Finally, Sue briefly outlines some labeling requirements.

But Wait, There’s MORE!

In the last half of this interview, I hit Sue with six cases designed to illustrate some of the more common challenges that we encounter in compatibility testing, and Sue handled them like a pro! Don’t miss the chance to hear a master at work, showing you exactly how to manage unexpected findings either in the crossmatch itself or with other tests related to the crossmatch.

About My Guest:

Sue Johnson, MSTM, MT(ASCP)SBB is the Director of Clinical Education at BloodCenter of Wisconsin (a part of Versiti). She also is the director of the Specialist in Blood Banking Program at BCW and the Transfusion Medicine Program at Marquette University. Sue is Associate Director of the Indian Immunohematology Initiative, a program designed to improve general immunohematology knowledge in South Asia. She is a sought-after speaker and world-class immunohematology expert. Sue also appeared on the most popular episode of this podcast, episode 028, discussing the Direct Antiglobulin Test.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed on this episode are those of my guest and I alone, and do not reflect those of the organizations with which either of us is affiliated. Neither Sue nor I have any relevant financial disclosures.

Music Credit

Music for this episode is by Mar Virtual via the Free Music Archive. Click the image below for permissions and license details.
Creative Commons license and link

Pin It on Pinterest