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153 Standalone Chapters NMH Annual Rep t | 2020 Continued monitoring of obstetric haemorrhage by a multidisciplinary team has led to significant reduction in use of blood and blood products. Successes and Achievements 2020 • Verification of the electronic crossmatch is now complete • Compliant with falsified medicine directive • Verification of automated Rh and K phenotyping • Introduction of traceability for Fibrinogen • Extension of shelf life for LG-Octaplas Plans for 2021 • Implementation of automated Rh and K phenotyping • Implementation of electronic issue • Introduction of electronic reporting of Fetal Rh D screens from IBTS • Verification of titre score to reduce referrals for Anti-D Quantitation • Elimination of the compatibility report HAEMATOLOGY Service Overview The haematology laboratory investigates blood disorders and is critical for the detection and management of anaemias, sepsis and coagulation disorders. In addition, Kleihauer tests are used to quantitatively estimate feto-maternal haemorrhage. Clinical Activity In response to the reported coagulopathies observed in patients with COVID-19, the D-Dimer assay was evaluated and introduced. D-Dimer was identified as a potential biomarker for disease severity for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 disease Successes and Achievements • The process of replacement of the Full Blood Count Analyser was initiated and the replacement analyser identified • Rapid verification and introduction of a new testing kit for Kleihauer, via our flexible scope, following the abrupt withdrawal of existing method • Verification and introduction of D-Dimer Plans for 2021 • Install and verify the new Sysmex XN FBC analyser • Seek options for provision of improved haemoglobinopathy screening to comply with guidelines and to link this with the Biochemistry plan for provision of HbA1c. HISTOLOGY The histology provides a diagnostic service examining tissues arising from surgical specimens taken in theatre, placentae and a perinatal pathology service. The department supports the cervical check programme and the gynaecology clinics Clinical Activity During 2020 the department worked closely with the bereavement team to provide rapid reports for placental examination post stillbirth and this has been very well received. Successes and Achievements • Transfer of 'in house' special stains to a standardised process using commercial CE marked kits. • Modification of work practices in response to pandemic and maintenance of agreed reporting deadlines • The process of replacement of both the staining machine and the Immunohistochemistry analysers was initiated and the replacement analysers identified Plans for 2021 • Install and verify the new staining machine • Install and verify the Immunohistochemistry analyser and its detection methods for a range of antibodies • Optimise the Sars-CoV2 antibody for the identification of Covid Placentitis • Work with Executive Management Team and Ireland East Hospital Group to provide a regional perinatal service. This is contingent on a reconfiguration and relocation of the department into appropriate premises. MICROBIOLOGY The Microbiology laboratory provides a routine bacteriology testing and molecular microbiology service for both the National Maternity and Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospitals. Surveillance reporting is provided for both hospitals Clinical Activity In addition to provision of the routine service 2020 was dedicated to provision of testing for Sars-CoV-2. Initially tests were referred to the NVRL and then to the Rotunda. When the kits were available for our GeneXpert platform the testing was verified 'in house'. This testing was also added to our Biofire platform and finally the batch analyser AUS Diagnostics was commissioned. The department now supports all the