Our Newsletter: "Reactions"

The official newsletter of the Massachusetts Association of Blood Banks.  In the 2008 newsletter:

• More information about the new AABB Assessor Training Workshop and Review (please note: this was canceled for 2008 session)
  

• Observations and thoughts about online SBB programs from two technologists presently enrolled in the Rush University program
  

• Forms in the newsletter to renew membership and sign up for seminar, that can be mailed in via postal mail
  

• News and information from Dottie Bergeron about the MABB Poster Competition
  

• The Harvard Medical School teaching session (May 29, 2007)
  

• Medical Minutes:  "Malaria and and ABO Blood Groups," by Sunny Dzik, M.D; and "Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas' Disease, and Transfusions:  the Newest Blood Donor Screening Test," by Jorge Rios, M.D.
  

• The preliminary program for the 2008 MABB annual meeting
  

• Directions to the Westford Regency
  

Current News (in reverse chronological order)

• It is with deep sadness that we report the death of one of our MABB and former Board of Directors members, Susan Eaves Bezanson, on April 3, 2008.  Sue was a very respected, trusted member of the blood bank community. She was well liked and made a deep impression on those of us fortunate to have known her. Her positive attitude, dedication to quality, patient safety and other contributions to Transfusion Medicine will be greatly missed.
  

• “ISBT128 – The Deadline is Here, Last Minute Discussion for Meditech Users” (Tuesday 4/22/08, 4:30pm).
  ISBT128 implementation forum for Meditech user's. We will share ideas, issues and experiences
  discovered during ISBT128 implementation. Feel free to bring your "War Stories" to share.
  Non Meditech users may find this session valuable as well.
  Intended Audience:
  This session is intended for Blood Bank Managers, Lab Administrators, Meditech IT analysts and
  

support personnel responsible for ISBT128 implementation and integration with Meditech LIS.

Forum Mediators

Carmine Vetrano, Blood Bank Manager, Mount Auburn Hospital

Linda Levinus, Blood Bank Manager, New England Baptist Hospital

Topics for discussion include recommendations and issues discovered for the following:

Process flow evaluation

Meditech implementation

Hematrax software

Printers

Alternatives

Label stock

Validation

FDA submission requirements for transfusion and donor services

Labels to be sent to FDA

Common errors found on label submissions

• The International Society for Cellular Therapy will be holding a regional meeting in Columbus, Ohio on April 4 and 5, 2008.  These meetings are a new initiative for ISCT and aim to address an educational gap for lab technologists in Cellular Therapy who need to network and learn from their peers and for whom budgets do not facilitate travel to national or international meetings.
  

• January 2008:  New this year: Assessor Training Workshop and Review -- Monday, April 21, 2008 (click here for more information)
  

• August 2007:  article in the Lowell Sun about Dr. Kay Doyle, coordinator of the medical technology and clinical sciences program at UMass Lowell's College of Health Professions.
  

• April 2006:  The MABB has joined the ASCLS P.A.C.E. program and will be able to offer PACE credits for each of the lectures offered at the annual seminar.
  

• April 2006:  Local Vendors Support MABB/Two local vendors contributed prizes that were raffled off at the annual meeting, to suppport the MABB.  Winston Flowers donated a gift certificate.  The Chamber Orchestra of Boston donated gift certificates.  These donations were to raise money for the MABB.  This is something totally new in addition to the raffles sponsored by our fabulous vendors.  We hope you will come & enjoy the seminar, visit the vendor booths and earn PACE credits!
  

Submit your event

Post your upcoming events on our web site -- click the "Contact Us" button at the top of the screen.  Send the event name, dates, event site, and a contact person with email address and/or phone number.

Upcoming Events

• Massachusetts Association of Blood Banks Annual Seminar:  Tuesday & Wednesday April 22 and 23, 2008 at the Westford Regency in Westford MA.  See the 'Membership' page for seminar registration forms and directions.