Blood Bank Guy Essentials Podcast

CE episode! Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) feels intimidating to learners because it sits at the intersection of blood banking, obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, and pediatrics. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jen Andrews and Molly Sherwood to make this complex topic much more approachable. Jen brings the perspective of a pediatric hematologist and transfusion medicine specialist, while Molly adds both deep research experience and the personal perspective of a mother diagnosed with maternal alloimmunization. This episode is eligible for FREE Continuing Certification credit for physicians, laboratorians, and others until October 4, 2028 through my partnership with AABB. See BBGuy.org/CE or AABB.org/BBGuy for details.

CE episode! This episode explores the recognition and management of obstetric hemorrhage, with a focus on real-world, high-stakes scenarios that can evolve rapidly and unexpectedly. Through practical, evidence-based discussion, it highlights key risk factors, early warning signs, and the importance of coordinated, interprofessional response among obstetric, nursing, anesthesia, transfusion medicine, and laboratory teams. This episode is eligible for FREE Continuing Certification credit for physicians, laboratorians, and others until April 28, 2028 through my partnership with AABB. See BBGuy.org/CE or AABB.org/BBGuy for details.

Brian Adkins, an Assistant Professor of Pathology and medical director of transfusion services at Children's Health Dallas, dives into the complexities of transfusion support in hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplants. He tackles ABO incompatibilities, emphasizing their risks and management strategies. The discussion highlights important factors in donor selection, the significance of HLA compatibility, and the challenges of granulocyte transfusions, underscoring the importance of teamwork and innovative solutions in enhancing blood safety and patient outcomes.

Dr. Will Flanary is an ophthalmologist and stand-up comic who moonlights as the hilarious "Dr. Glaucomflecken" on social media. The Glaucomflecken videos have earned him an enormous worldwide following, as he has gently parodied physicians of many specialties (including pathology). He and his wife Kristin (aka "Lady Glaucomflecken") join me to share their inspirational story, with NO blood bank learning whatsoever! Even so, you've gotta listen!

Jan Hamilton demystifies the reference lab’s toolkit, from antibody identification and enzyme testing to adsorption, elution, and DTT. Along the way, she explores tricky antibody findings, the clinical importance of Kidd antibodies, and how hospital and reference labs can work together when results don’t match.

Advances in the practice of Transfusion Medicine happen regularly, and it can be difficult for both learners and those with more experience to keep up with the latest information. Further, many learners (and more "seasoned" types!) lack experience to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the evidence in the medical literature. Dr. Rich Haspel joins me to describe how to evaluate evidence in the medical literature, and to discuss his take on low-titer group O whole blood. Continuing education for this episode has EXPIRED. See BBGuy.org/CE or AABB.org/BBGuy for current CE-eligible episodes.

To celebrate the 100th episode of Blood Bank Guy Essentials, Dr. Chaffin invites multiple previous guests (plus one brand new one!) to share brief "Pearls of Wisdom" with you. Learners of every level are sure to find Transfusion Medicine tips and tools to help care for patients in better ways. Thanks to all who have listened to this podcast in the past 7 years! Continuing education for this episode has EXPIRED. See BBGuy.org/CE or AABB.org/BBGuy for current CE-eligible episodes.

In this insightful talk, Jessica Hudson, a third-year pathology resident passionate about transfusion medicine, simplifies the complexities of Rh Immune Globulin (RhIG) dosing. She and Joe explain the critical need for accurate dosing to prevent at-risk mothers from developing anti-D antibodies. They introduce the 'five over three' calculation tool and discuss the mechanics behind hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, RhIG's role, and its timing during pregnancy. Additionally, they touch on the different RhIG formulations and the importance of postpartum checks.

If a research project has been going on for over 30 years, you would think it's probably pretty good, right? Well, that's how long the REDS research project, sponsored by the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has been breaking new ground in Transfusion Medicine. The two co-chairs of the fourth phase, REDS-IV-P, are here to explain why the best is yet to come! Continuing education for this episode has EXPIRED. See BBGuy.org/CE or AABB.org/BBGuy for current CE-eligible episodes.

Dr. Steve Frank explores acute normovolemic hemodilution, a way to collect a patient’s blood before surgery and return it later. The conversation covers how it compares with cell salvage, where it may help most, and the practical steps hospitals need to add it to blood conservation programs. Also on the table: bloodless care, single-unit transfusions, and making sure collected blood is safely handled.