In the autumn of 1980, the decision was made by the responsible bodies of the German Society for Medical Documentation, Informatics and Statistics (Deutsche Gesellschaft fUr Medlzinische Dokumentation, Informatik und Statistik e.V.) to make the application of computers in blood banking and blood transfusion one of the topics to be treated at the 8th spring conference of this Society, which was then arranged to take place in TUbingen from April 9-11, 1981. The goal of the con ference was to unite application specialists and methodologists in order to assess current achievements and identify fields needing further improvement. We were fortunate to obtain the interest of the German Society for Blood Transfusion and Immunohaemat6logy D~. Roos, the head of the EDP Work study group of the Section 1 of this. Society did substantially influence the programme. Many of the papers actually reflect accomplish ments of his research and of the work study group. We also consider ourselves fortunate to win Prof. C. Mueller-Eckhardt, current president of this Society, to give an introductory address.

Using an easy-to-understand writing style, this text integrates immunohematology theory and application to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in blood banking. Problem-solving exercises and case studies help you develop a solid understanding of all areas of blood banking. Learning objectives begin each chapter. Illustrated blood group boxes throughout chapter 6, Other Blood Group Systems, give the ISBT symbol, number, and the clinical significance of the antibodies at a glance. Margin notes and definitions in each chapter highlight important material and offer additional explanations. Chapter summaries recap the most important points of the chapter. Study questions at the end of each chapter provide an opportunity for review. Critical thinking exercises with case studies help you apply what you have learned in the chapter. UPDATED! Information and photos on automation include equipment actually used in the lab. Flow charts showing antibody detection and identification help you detect and identify antibodies. Advanced topics on Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, the HLA System, Molecular Techniques and Applications, Automation, Electronic Crossmatching, and Therapeutic Apheresis make the text relevant for 4-year MLS programs.

-- The latest information on hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS -- Complete coverage of all blood group systems -- New information on quality assurance and informational systems in the blood bank -- Case histories give the reader a picture of what is going on behind the scenes -- Summary charts at the end of each chapter identify for students the most important information to know for clinical rotations -- Helpful pedagogical tools, including chapter outlines, objectives, review questions, and a glossary -- An extensive package of illustrations, including 20 plates of full-color drawings and photomicrographs -- Procedural appendices at the end of selected chapters -- Antigen-Antibody Characteristic Chart on the inside covers of the book provides easy access to the vast amount of information related to the blood group systems

In both rich and poor nations, public resources for health care are inadequate to meet demand. Policy makers and health care providers must determine how to provide the most effective health care to citizens using the limited resources that are available. This chapter describes current and future challenges in the delivery of health care, and outlines the role that operations research (OR) models can play in helping to solve those problems. The chapter concludes with an overview of this book – its intended audience, the areas covered, and a description of the subsequent chapters. KEY WORDS Health care delivery, Health care planning HEALTH CARE DELIVERY: PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES 3 1.1 WORLDWIDE HEALTH: THE PAST 50 YEARS Human health has improved significantly in the last 50 years. In 1950, global life expectancy was 46 years [1]. That figure rose to 61 years by 1980 and to 67 years by 1998 [2]. Much of these gains occurred in low- and middle-income countries, and were due in large part to improved nutrition and sanitation, medical innovations, and improvements in public health infrastructure.

This comprehensive book on transfusion practices and immunohematology offers concise, thorough guidelines on the best ways to screen donors, store blood components, ensure safety, anticipate the potentially adverse affects of blood transfusion, and more. It begins with the basics of genetics and immunology, and then progresses to the technical aspects of blood banking and transfusion. Chapters are divided into sections on: Basic Science Review; Blood Group Serology; Donation, Preparation, and Storage; Pretransfusion Testing; Transfusion Therapy; Clinical Considerations; and Safety, Quality Assurance, and Data Management. Developed specifically for medical technologists, blood bank specialists, and residents, the new edition conforms to the most current standards of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). Expert Opinion essays, written by well-known, frequently published experts, discuss interesting topics of research or new advances in the field. Important terms are defined in the margins of the pages on which they appear, enabling readers to easily check the meaning of an unfamiliar term where it appears in context. Margin notes highlight important concepts and points, remind readers of previously discussed topics, offer an alternative perspective, or refer readers to other sources for further information. Material conforms to the most recent AABB standards for the most accurate, up-to-date information on immunohematology. Advanced concepts, beyond what is required for entry-level practice, are set apart from the rest of the text so readers can easily differentiate between basic and advanced information. A new chapter on Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Cellular Therapy (chapter 19) provides cutting-edge coverage of cellular therapy and its relevance to blood-banking. New content has been added on molecular genetics, component therapy, and International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) nomenclature, as well as the latest information on HIV, hepatitis, quality assurance, and information systems. Coverage of new technologies, such as nucleic acid technology and gel technology, keeps readers current with advances in the field.

This new edition of Essentials of Blood Banking brings students and residents fully up to date with the latest scientific and technological advances in blood banking and transfusion. The book begins with discussion on immunohaematology and different blood group systems. The following sections examine transfusion, screening, donors and storage. The second edition includes a new chapter on obstetrical transfusion practice, as well as fully updated guidelines on neonatal and paediatric transfusion. Key points Fully revised, new edition bringing residents and students up to date with the latest advances in blood banking and transfusion Includes new chapter on obstetrical transfusion practice Diagrams, plates and tables enhance learning Previous edition published in 2006