scholarly journals Good practices in collecting umbilical cord and placental blood

Author(s):  
Lauren Auer Lopes ◽  
Elizabeth Bernardino ◽  
Karla Crozeta ◽  
Paulo Ricardo Bittencourt Guimarães

Abstract Objective: to identify the factors related to the quality of umbilical cord and placental blood specimens, and define best practices for their collection in a government bank of umbilical cord and placental blood. Method: this was a descriptive study, quantitative approach, performed at a government umbilical cord and placental blood bank, in two steps: 1) verification of the obstetric, neonatal and operational factors, using a specific tool for gathering data as non-participant observers; 2) definition of best practices by grouping non-conformities observed before, during and after blood collection. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the following statistical software: Statistica(r) and R(r). Results: while there was a correlation with obstetrical and neonatal factors, there was a larger correlation with operational factors, resulting in the need to adjust the professional practices of the nursing staff and obstetrical team involved in collecting this type of blood. Based on these non-conformities we defined best practices for nurses before, during and after blood collection. Conclusion: the best practices defined in this study are an important management tool for the work of nurses in obtaining blood specimens of high cell quality.

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-262
Author(s):  
Elena Tataranu ◽  
◽  
Maria Stamatin ◽  
Smaranda Diaconescu ◽  
Angelica Cristina Marin ◽  
...  

Deepening the knowledge about genetic and epigenetic mechanisms studies (environmental caused) regarding atopy, brought revelations about intrauterine onset of allergies, proven by the presence of IgE in umbilical cord blood. Detection of these newborns and their inclusion in a specific care program further reduces the morbidity of allergic march with the undeniable effects on quality of life and healthcare costs. The dramatic increase in the prevalence of atopy in recent decades suggests the importance of IgE in umbilical cord determinations. The use of umbilical cord blood for diagnostic purposes requires clear laws and rules and this is the subject we suggest to debate in this paper.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Macdonald

Scottish historians have invested considerable effort in gathering data on and counting the number of accused witches in Scotland in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The benefits of the four projects dedicated to this data-gathering that are analysed in this article are clear, but the act of counting has also changed our perception of the Scottish witch-hunt. In order to count witches, we have to have a clear definition of who is (and is not) a witch. This article explores the change in definition across these projects, notably the distinction between a witch and a charmer. Graphing witchcraft accusations gives the impression that all accusations are related. Counting may make us overconfident in the quality of the data when what is striking is how little information we have in most instances. The methodological concern of using the information we do have and interpreting the entire witch-hunt on that basis is noted.


Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Cysyk ◽  
Anna Aycock ◽  
Susan Groman ◽  
Lucinda Kahoe ◽  
Megan McHugh ◽  
...  

Background and Issues: Approximately 83% of acute-care hospitals in Maryland are designated as primary stroke centers. The Maryland Stroke Center Consortium (MSCC) is a network of representatives from all hospitals in the state of Maryland that have been designated as stroke centers. In collaboration with the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medicine Services Systems (MIEMSS)--the body that provides state oversight, the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Maryland Stroke Alliance (MSA), the MSCC works to improve stroke care outcomes statewide. Since 2007, the MSCC has met bi-monthly to network, review data, mentor, educate, and share best practices. Registry participation and data collection are standardized across the state. Purpose: To determine if a statewide consortium can have a positive impact on the quality of care for patients with stroke via the nursing-focused measures of Dysphagia Screening and Patient Education. Methods: All primary stroke centers in Maryland participate in AHA’s Get with the Guidelines (GWTG) Stroke Program. Data were collected using the internet-based Patient Management Tool TM (Outcome, Inc.). A 4-year retrospective review was performed of the Stroke Core Measures and Dysphagia Screening data in the Maryland Stroke Registry. Results: Although over time, improvement was seen in all Stroke Core Measures at both state and national levels, in 2010, Maryland stroke centers demonstrated a higher level of compliance in seven measures compared to all centers participating in the GWTG stroke registry. Moreover, statistically significant higher levels of compliance were found for Dysphagia Screening (82.1% versus 78.3%, p = <0.01) and Patient Education (85.4% versus 81.1%, p = <0.01). Conclusions: Participation in a statewide consortium, paired with oversight at the state level, results in a positive impact on the quality of stroke care and patient outcomes. The critical thinking, open communication, and sharing of information that occur at the consortium level translate into improved care consistent with evidence-based best practices at individual facilities.


Author(s):  
Thomas L. Clegg ◽  
Steven J. Kennelly ◽  
Geir Blom ◽  
Kjell Nedreaas

AbstractIn addition to their role as a fisheries management tool, discard bans can be effective in improving knowledge of total catches via the requirement to land and report all catches. This shifts the focus to understanding the scale of unreported catches in fisheries, rather than only on discards. However, the presence of a discard ban can cause problems with estimation process, as it involves the observation of illegal activities, and the complex sources of unreported catches require a different approach to estimation. The Norwegian discard ban was introduced in 1987 as part of a wider suite of regulatory measures to improve exploitation patterns in commercial fisheries, but a framework for the regular estimation of unreported catches has yet to be established and operationalised. Here, we aim to identify global best practices for estimating unreported catches under a discard ban and assess their applicability to Norwegian fisheries. We approach this in three steps: (1) defining the scope of an estimation, (2) data collection, and (3) the actual procedure for estimation. We discuss how each step can affect the quality of an estimate with regards to accuracy, precision, practical limitations and whether the estimate is fit for purpose. Finally, we provide a list of recommendations for future studies and identify key knowledge gaps and limitations regarding their application to Norwegian fisheries.


Author(s):  
Luísa Perissé ◽  
Paula de Araújo Nicolini Rosa ◽  
Cristiano Bertolossi Marta ◽  
Elzeni dos Santos Braga

Esse estudo tem como objeto os fatores que podem influenciar na qualidade do SCUP e como objetivo apontá-los e defini-los, seguidos da análise de boas práticas na coleta de SCUP, sintetizando, em seguida, informações acerca de boas práticasde coleta. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, norteada pela metodologia PICO. As buscas foram realizadasno Portal da BVS e foram selecionados 15 artigos que abordam a temática. Resultados: Os autores apontam para a associação entre o maior volume de SCUP coletado e o maior número de células nucleadas totais obtidas. O volume da coletapode ser influenciado pelo peso da placenta, via de parto, tamanho do cordão umbilical, peso e idade gestacional do RN,e também está associado a fatores operacionais, como manuseio incorreto da placenta e cordão umbilical. O número decélulas nucleadas totais também está associado ao intervalo entre coleta e processamento, via de parto e à temperatura dearmazenamento durante o transporte. Conclusão: Para obter-se uma coleta de qualidade, deve-se coletar o maior volumepossível, reduzir o intervalo entre coleta e processamento e observar as boas práticas de coleta. O aperfeiçoamento datécnica de coleta pode ser obtido através de um programa de capacitação contínua dos coletadores.Descritores: sangue de cordão umbilical, protocolo clínico, coletadores, qualidade ABSTRACTThis study has as object the factors that can influence the quality of the SCUP and aim to identify and define them, followedby the analysis of good practices in the collection of SCUP, then synthesizing information about good practices of collection. Methodology: This is an integrative review, guided by the PICO methodology. The searches were carried out in theVHL Portal and 15 articles were selected that address the subject. Results: The authors point to the association betweenthe highest volume of SCUP collected and the highest number of total nucleated cells obtained. The volume of the collection can be influenced by the weight of the placenta, tract of delivery, umbilical cord size, weight and gestational age ofthe newborn, and is also associated with operational factors such as incorrect placenta and umbilical cord management.The number of total nucleated cells is also associated with the interval between collection and processing, delivery routeand storage temperature during transport. Conclusion: In order to obtain a quality collection, one must collect as muchvolume as possible, interval between collection and processing and observing good collection practices. The improvementof the collection technique can be obtained through a continuous training program of the collectors.Descriptors: umbilical cord blood, clinical protocol, collectors, quality


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. S24-S32
Author(s):  
Daleen Penoyer ◽  
Melody Bennett ◽  
Patricia I. Geddie ◽  
Alyssa Nugent ◽  
Tara Volkerson

HIGHLIGHTS Results added knowledge on use of midline catheters (MCs) for blood sampling. Using MCs for blood withdrawal resulted in low rates of hemolysis (0.69%). Dwell time was longer in those who had blood drawn from their MC. Nurse practices for blood sampling from MCs varied and learned from other nurses. Background: Blood withdrawal from midline catheters (MCs) is done clinically, but no studies were found evaluating outcomes from this procedure, nor were clinical guidelines found. Drawing blood samples from short peripheral catheters is associated with higher hemolysis rates. Methods: A prospective, observational, mixed methods study was used to evaluate outcomes from using MCs for blood withdrawal. Focus group sessions were held to evaluate nurses' practices for this procedure. Results: Data were collected over 3 months on 397 MCs in 378 patients. Hemolysis rates when the MC was used for blood withdrawal was 0.69% in 1021 tests. More than half had blood specimens drawn through the MC, and the time known for the successful withdrawal was on average 64 ± 85 hours. Mean dwell time for all MCs was 108.5 ± 98 hours, and when MCs were used for blood withdrawal, mean dwell time was 127.19 ± 109.13 hours and for MCs not used for blood withdrawal, 88.34 ± 79.86 hours (P < 0.001). In 338 patients who received therapy through their MC (n = 338), 87% completed intended therapy: 88% with blood withdrawal and 81% without blood withdrawal. Qualitative analysis from focus groups demonstrated wide variation in practice for blood sampling from MCs, and most learned techniques from their preceptors, other nurses, or patients. Conclusions: Findings indicated that blood withdrawal from one specific type of MC had low rates of hemolysis, increased dwell time, and completion of therapy. More studies are needed to determine best practices for blood sampling through various types of MCs and outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Manfreda ◽  

&lt;p&gt;Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are offering an extraordinary opportunity to improve our ability to monitor river basins. The wide use of UAS leaded to a significant grow of the number of applications and methodologies developed for specific scopes of environmental monitoring. For this reason, there is a serious challenge to harmonise and provide standardised guidance applicable across a broad range of environments and conditions. In this context, a network of scientists is cooperating within the framework of a COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action named &amp;#8220;Harmonious - Given the wide use of UAS within environmental studies&amp;#8221;. The intention of &amp;#8220;Harmonious&amp;#8221; is to promote monitoring strategies, establish harmonised monitoring practices, and transfer most recent advances on UAS methodologies to others within a global network. The working groups of Harmonious are currently working on the definition of practical guidance for environmental studies identifying critical processes and the interconnection of each step for a successful workflow. Given the number of environmental constraints and variables, it is impractical to provide a protocol that can be applied universally under all possible conditions, but it is possible to systematise the fragmented knowledge on this topic identifying the best-practices to improve the overall quality of the final products. Preliminary results of the HARMONIOUS COST Action will be given.&lt;/p&gt;


2006 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1174-1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Mancinelli ◽  
A. Tamburini ◽  
A. Spagnoli ◽  
C. Malerba ◽  
G. Suppo ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
K. T. Tokuyasu

During the past investigations of immunoferritin localization of intracellular antigens in ultrathin frozen sections, we found that the degree of negative staining required to delineate u1trastructural details was often too dense for the recognition of ferritin particles. The quality of positive staining of ultrathin frozen sections, on the other hand, has generally been far inferior to that attainable in conventional plastic embedded sections, particularly in the definition of membranes. As we discussed before, a main cause of this difficulty seemed to be the vulnerability of frozen sections to the damaging effects of air-water surface tension at the time of drying of the sections.Indeed, we found that the quality of positive staining is greatly improved when positively stained frozen sections are protected against the effects of surface tension by embedding them in thin layers of mechanically stable materials at the time of drying (unpublished).


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