Month: August 2023

Laur Zimmardi DAS Phlebotomy Services How accurate are you blood test results? Do you know? It’s much more important than you realize. Your medication, as well as medical procedures, are dependent on your blood results. Inaccurate blood test results can easily cause your medication to be under or over prescribed by your doctor. Surgeons are especially concerned with blood test results to ensure a safe procedure. Your blood sample tells your doctor what is going on “inside” your body. You can help your blood tests to be more accurate. Were you told, or allowed, to make a fist at your blood draw? If you did, it’s most likely that your results were inaccurate. We’ve learned that making, pumping a fist causes your potassium readings to escalate. Potassium levels are used as indicators of your heart and blood pressure conditions. Heart and blood pressure medications may be prescribed, when in fact, they may not be needed. People are also reading… The person who draws your blood is to fill the collection tubes in a specific order, known as the “Order of Draw”. This procedure prevents cross contamination from different tube additives and provides for a more accurate result. This is only one of many aspects of your blood draw that requires attention to detail. How your sample was transported to the lab could affect the results. Was your sample to be at room temperature? Refrigerated, frozen or light protected? Each test has different requirements. So many things can affect the results. Abruptly shaking your sample versus proper inversion can alter the results by breaking down the cells. Did the person who drew your blood discuss your fasting and activities prior to your draw? They should have! Chewing gum before your draw will affect your results as if you ate a cheeseburger! If you were requested to fast prior to your draw, and you chewed gum, your results will not be accurate. You should have your blood drawn when you’re calm, in a “basal state”. No food, no fluids other than water, no exercise, and at the same time of day as your last blood draw. This is a primary reason why when you’re hospitalized, they take your blood at 4:00am each day. You should have your blood drawn properly by a certified, experienced, phlebotomist. Professional Phlebotomists “Protect the Integrity of the Sample”. There are only four States that currently “require” a phlebotomist to be certified, and Arizona is “NOT” one of them. They are CA, WA, NV, and LA. Remember! Your doctors and surgeons are using your blood results to make your healthcare decisions. Help them by “insisting” on a certified Phlebotomist. #lee-rev-content { margin:0 -5px; } #lee-rev-content h3 { font-family: inherit!important; font-weight: 700!important; border-left: 8px solid var(–lee-blox-link-color); text-indent: 7px; font-size: 24px!important; line-height: 24px; } #lee-rev-content .rc-provider { font-family: inherit!important; } #lee-rev-content h4 { line-height: 24px!important; font-family: “serif-ds”,Times,”Times New Roman”,serif!important; margin-top: 10px!important; } @media (max-width: 991px) { #lee-rev-content h3 { font-size: 18px!important; line-height: 18px; } } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article { clear: both; background-color: #fff; color: #222; background-position: bottom; background-repeat: no-repeat; padding: 15px 0 20px; margin-bottom: 40px; border-top: 4px solid rgba(0,0,0,.8); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.2); display: none; } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article, #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article p { font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, “Segoe UI”, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, “Apple Color Emoji”, “Segoe UI Emoji”, “Segoe UI Symbol”; } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article h2 { font-size: 24px; margin: 15px 0 5px 0; font-family: “serif-ds”, Times, “Times New Roman”, serif; } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article .lead { margin-bottom: 5px; } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article .email-desc { font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 5px; opacity: 0.7; } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article form { padding: 10px 30px 5px 30px; } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article .disclaimer { opacity: 0.5; margin-bottom: 0; line-height: 100%; } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article .disclaimer a { color: #222; text-decoration: underline; } #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article .email-hammer { border-bottom: 3px solid #222; opacity: .5; display: inline-block; padding: 0 10px 5px 10px; margin-bottom: -5px; font-size: 16px; } @media (max-width: 991px) { #pu-email-form-breaking-email-article form { padding: 10px 0 5px 0; } } .grecaptcha-badge { visibility: hidden; } Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Hemolytic reactions with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions have decreased over time, with risk factors including non-O blood group transfusions and IVIG dosage, according to results of a study published in Vox Sanguinis.1 Image credit: UlrikaArt – stock.adobe.com Investigators question whether medication taken prior to the procedure may increase the risk of hemolysis. In a study previously published in Transfusion, investigators reported that in 33 articles, there was a higher incidence of IVIG-related hemolysis in patients with blood groups A and AB and for those who had higher IVIG doses, which supports the findings of the current study.2 In the current study, the authors said that hemolysis can occur after an IVIG infusion. According to the investigators, hemolytic reactions are the fourth most common reaction to IVIG. Out of 1170 reactions included in the study, the most common reactions were febrile non-hemolytic reactions (26.1%), minor allergic reactions (24.5%), IVIG headache (15.3%), and hemolytic reactions (10.3%).1 They analyzed data using a novel approach, including 2 control groups with no hemolysis in reaction to IVIG. Investigators included a summary of all reactions to IVIG, rate estimates, and analysis of hemolytic reactions, which included risk factors.1 The study authors gathered data from Ontario, Canada from 2013 to 2021. The data included IVIG distribution, transfusion data from the blood supplier, and data from a large local transfusion registry. Investigators had a control group of patients who had IVIG reactions that were not hemolytic and a control group of patients who had no adverse reactions to IVIG. A descriptive analysis and 2 logistic regression models were used for the different control groups, according to the study authors.1 Advertisement Investigators noted that the current estimate of reaction times from 2020 were 1.5/1000 kg IVIG use and 2.9/1000 kg IVIG use, respectively.1 The results of the study showed that the 2 biggest risk factors for hemolysis were receiving a non-O blood type transfusion and IVIG dose per 10 g increase. The risk factors were also evident when compared to the results of the no-reaction control group.1 Furthermore, investigators found that no pre-medication was associated with a higher risk of hemolysis.1 Although the patient demographics were similar for the 3 categories of hemolytic reactions, the rate of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTR) was highest compared to acute hemolytic transfusion reactions and delayed serological transfusion reactions. Investigators reported that most of the reactions were classified as non-severe, while 41.9% were classified as severe and 4.7% were life threatening. The severe reactions were most frequent with DHTR, according to the study authors.1 The study authors identified various limitations of the study, which include limitations regarding data from surveillance. They identified that the structure of the reporting form could have led to missing data, a failure to report key test results that could indicate types of reactions, and a lack of diagnosis or other clinical data, including the reason for transfusion.1 Investigators said their results confirm previous studies indicating risk factors for hemolysis with IVIG, but also suggest that the lack of pre-medication could be another risk factor. They said the methodology in their study could be applied to other studies, investigating other types of rations following transfusions.1 References Batarfi K, Liu Y, Nixon J, Webert KE, et al. A retrospective analysis of haemolytic reactions to intravenous immunoglobulin using data from the Transfusion-Transmitted Injuries Surveillance System (Ontario). Vox Sang. 2023;10.1111/vox.13501. doi:10.1111/vox.13501 Cuesta H, El Menyawi I, Hubsch A, Hoefferer L, et al. Incidence and risk factors for intravenous immunoglobulin-related hemolysis: A systematic review of clinical trial and real-world populations. Transfusion. 2022;62(9):1894-1907. doi:10.1111/trf.17028

The Southern Virginia Higher Education will host an American Red Cross blood drive Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The blood drive will be held in the SVHEC’s Center of Nursing Excellence located within the 820 Bruce Street Building. The need for donors remains high, and everyone eligible to give is encouraged to do so. To make a donation appointment register online at www.redcrossblood.org/give or call 1-800-RED CROSS. SVHEC’s Center of Nursing Excellence and Southside Area Health Education will partner with the Southside Behavioral Health and the Southside Wellness Coalition to offer a free Rapid REVIVE! training Thursday in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. REVIVE! is the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education program for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and provides free training on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone. Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a prescription medication that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. If given in time, naloxone can save someone’s life by temporarily reversing the overdose and allowing the affected person to breathe again. Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently highlighted REVIVE! training as a critical tool in Virginia’s fight against the fentanyl and opioid crisis. Rapid REVIVE! will take place in the SVHEC’s parking lot from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Training will take place in 15-minute intervals so individuals are not required to stay for the entire event to receive training. Anyone 18 and older may participate in the training, and those who complete it will receive a free dose of Narcan while supplies last. Registrations are strongly encouraged, but walk-ups will be welcomed. To register visit www.southsidebh.org/revive.

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We have a high blood pressure issue on our hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of U.S. adults (48%) have high blood pressure. And it’s no secret that high blood pressure is inextricably linked to what you eat. Fortunately, one nutrient plays a crucial role in reducing blood pressure and protecting your heart health: potassium. This essential mineral relaxes blood vessel walls, helping to lower blood pressure and keep your heart functioning smoothly. Read on to learn more. Pictured Recipe: Salmon & Avocado Salad What is Potassium? Potassium, a vital mineral and electrolyte, is the unsung hero of many bodily functions. Found in abundance within cells and body fluids, potassium plays a pivotal role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), higher dietary potassium intake is associated with a significant decrease in blood pressure. However, this mineral’s health benefits may extend beyond blood pressure management. A 2018 research study published in Nutrition Today revealed that potassium may also aid in heart rhythm regulation, bone health and supportying healthy metabolism. Sarah Schlichter, M.P.H., RDN, a registered dietitian at Bucket List Tummy, tells EatingWell, “While many Americans tend to eat higher levels of sodium and lower levels of potassium in their diets (leading to higher blood pressure), reversing this way of eating and eating higher levels of potassium (and lower sodium levels) could help control blood pressure.” Potassium and Sodium Potassium and sodium are the dynamic duo of heart health. These two minerals and electrolytes work together to help maintain balanced blood pressure levels. While sodium can elevate blood pressure by encouraging water retention, potassium counteracts this effect by promoting sodium excretion through urine and relaxing blood vessel walls. Unfortunately, the standard American diet tends to weigh heavily in favor of sodium, often leading to an overconsumption of this mineral. And conversely, potassium-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, fish and legumes rarely take center stage at mealtime. This leads to a bit of a nutritional mismatch, given that the recommended potassium-to-sodium intake ratio is about 2:1, while research suggests most Americans average intake is closer to 1:2. “Sodium and potassium are both electrolytes that help the body maintain fluid balance,” says Kelsey Kunik, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and intuitive eating dietitian at Graciously Nourished. “Too much sodium can pull water into the bloodstream, increasing the pressure on blood vessel walls. Eating more potassium can help reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessel walls and helping the body excrete more sodium.” 6 Ways to Get More Potassium It’s recommended that adults consume between 2,400 and 3,600 milligrams of potassium per day. Here are some simple ways to up your intake. 1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. “Adding more fruits and veggies (fresh, canned or frozen) to meals can increase potassium intake,” says Schlichter. “While most people think of bananas, other foods like oranges, potatoes, sweet potatoes, apricots, kiwis, tomatoes, spinach and cantaloupe are also high in potassium.” You can’t go wrong with upping your fruit and veggie intake when trying to increase your potassium intake and support your heart health. For example, one medium banana provides 422 milligrams of potassium, while a cup of cooked spinach offers a whopping 1,180 milligrams. These plant-based sources help regulate blood pressure and come with various other heart-healthy vitamins, minerals and fiber. 2. Add leafy greens to your meals. Add more leafy greens like spinach, kale and Swiss chard to your meals and your blood pressure will thank you. One cup of cooked Swiss chard delivers 961 milligrams of potassium. Incorporating these greens into your salads, omelets or smoothies can effortlessly boost your potassium intake. “Leafy greens can be added to smoothies, stir-fries, rice bowls, salads, eggs and more, providing an easy way to up your potassium intake,” says Schlichter. 3. Leave the skin on your potatoes. While most of us enjoy the starchy interior of potatoes, potato skin contains the majority of the potassium in the veg. One medium baked potato with the skin intact contains 952 milligrams of potassium. “Potatoes are a great source of potassium, but removing the skin means removing a good portion of potassium,” says Schlichter. 4. Incorporate more smoothies into your diet. “If you have difficulty eating enough fruits and vegetables, try drinking them in a smoothie,” advises Kunik. “Adding a medium frozen banana, one cup of milk and half an avocado to your favorite smoothie can give you 27% of your daily value for potassium.” Blending fruits like bananas, oranges and berries with avocados, leafy greens and Greek yogurt will create a potassium-rich concoction that’s both refreshing and nourishing. A simple green and fruit smoothie can provide a significant portion of your daily potassium needs. Plus, it’s a convenient and delicious way to keep your heart health in check. 5. Enjoy Greek yogurt as a heart-healthy snack. With approximately 282 milligrams of potassium per 7-ounce serving, Greek yogurt is a creamy and versatile addition to your diet. This cultured delight can contribute to your potassium intake and offers gut-friendly probiotics and protein, making it a well-rounded choice for supporting heart health. Opt for unsweetened varieties to limit added sugar. Instead, add things like fruit and honey or maple syrup at home to sweeten it to your liking and customize the flavors. Schlichter tells us, “Greek yogurt is a great way to add potassium to your diet, as well as the bone-building nutrients calcium and vitamin D. Pair it with fruit or low-sugar granola for a balanced snack.” 6. Consume fatty fish regularly. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel contribute to maintaining your potassium levels and support cardiovascular health thanks to their high omega-3 fatty acid content. “One six-ounce fillet of salmon has 23% of your daily value for potassium, making it an excellent source of potassium. If you don’t have the time or capacity to cook salmon at home, use canned salmon instead, which is still a great source of

LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTYM) — Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health has announced their community blood drivers for September. To be able to donate, people must be in good health and free from flu, cold, or nausea symptoms for at least three days. Donors must be between the ages of 16 (with parental consent) and 79 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be well-hydrated. Donors are also asked to eat a substantial meal within four hours of donating. ID will also be needed and appointments are encouraged, which can be done by clicking here or by calling 717-544-0170. Below are the dates and locations where the blood drives will be held. 9/5 Tue 2 pm-7pm LGH – James Street 3rd Floor Common Area, 555 Duke Street, Lancaster 9/6 Wed 2pm-8pm Caernarvon Fire Company, 2145 Main Street, Narvon 9/7 Thurs 1pm-6pm Lancaster Elks Lodge #314, 219 Duke Street, Lancaster 9/12 Tue 9am-3pm LGH Mill Building, 26 North Cedar Street, Lititz 9/19 Tue 2pm-7pm Faith Reformed Church, 611 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville 9/20 Wed 2pm-8pm Intercourse Fire Company, 10 North Hollander Road, Intercourse 9/21 Thurs 2pm-8pm Bareville Fire Company, 211 East Main Street, Leola 9/26 Tue 2pm-7pm Providence Township Building, 200 Mt. Airy Road, New Providence 9/29 Fri 9am-3pm Southern Market, 100 S. Queen Street, Lancaster

ByAbdur Rahman Aug 28, 2023 05:31 PM IST Share Via Copy Link An investigation has also been launched to determine the potential involvement of blood bank employees in the case. GORAKHPUR District police on Sunday evening arrested two individuals accused of enticing labourers to donate blood in exchange for money. The accused pair was arrested from the entrance gate of Baba Raghav Das Medical College. An investigation has also been launched to determine the potential involvement of blood bank employees in the case. The accused pair was arrested from the entrance gate of Baba Raghav Das Medical College. (HT Photo) The agents of this group would allegedly coax laborers into giving blood, promising them monetary compensation. They then presented these laborers as donors to the blood bank employees, ostensibly to supply blood to critically ill patients. Manoj Kumar Awasthi, the Superintendent of Police for the northern region, stated that the two arrested individuals associated with the gang have been identified as Waseem and Keshav Dev. Relevant charges have been filed against them, and an inquiry is underway to ascertain the roles of the employees and other members of the group. SP Manoj Kumar Awasthi clarified that the complaint was filed at the Gulharia police station by a victim named Gorakh Chauhan, a resident of Partawal in the Maharajganj district. In his complaint, Gorakh mentioned that while he was at the labour market in the Goraknath locality, searching for work, he encountered a young man who persuaded him to donate a unit of blood in exchange for ₹7,000. However, he only received ₹1,100. When he demanded the remaining amount, he was physically assaulted by two individuals. Subsequently, based on his identification, the police arrested Waseem and Keshav Dev and initiated an inquiry. Dr Rajesh Rai, the Medical Superintendent of Nehru Hospital at BRD Medical College, stated that he was unaware of any active agents involved in arranging blood donations. Dr Rai condemned the breach of the guidelines established for blood transmission. He emphasised that stringent action would be taken against anyone found involved in such incidents, once they come to his attention. Sources from the Medical College revealed that these agents are active around the blood bank and surgery wards. They target vulnerable individuals, enticing them with fraudulent deals. Topics Gorakhpur