Recommendations For Quality Control Research Articles

Recommendations for quality control in industrial 3D concrete printing construction with mono-component concrete: A critical evaluation of ten test methods and the introduction of the performance index

The critical assessment of the applicability of fresh concrete test methods for characterizing printable concrete quality and its structural build-up rate is rare in the literature. To address this gap, this study evaluates the potentials and limitations of eight offline test methods (hand vane, rheometer, compressive strength, squeeze flow, penetrometer, ultrasonic pulse velocity, slump, and flow table) and two inline test methods (slug test and extruder torque measurement). This research proposes a new parameter called “performance index” to assess the capability of any test to detect structural buildup. The study establishes a ranking of the eight offline tests on the proposed performance index and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each test in terms of portability, price, required human labor, and material. The results of this study can be used as a first guideline to select a proper quality control test for industrial 3D concrete printing construction.

EANM guidelines for PET-CT and PET-MR routine quality control

We present guidelines by the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) for routine quality control (QC) of PET-CT and PET-MR systems. These guidelines are partially based on the current EANM guidelines for routine quality control of Nuclear Medicine instrumentation but focus more on the inherent multimodal aspect of the current, state-of-the-art PET-CT and PET-MR scanners. We briefly discuss the regulatory context put forward by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and European Commission (EC) and consider relevant guidelines and recommendations by other societies and professional organizations. As such, a comprehensive overview of recommended quality control procedures is provided to ensure the optimal operational status of a PET system, integrated with either a CT or MR system. In doing so, we also discuss the rationale of the different tests, advice on the frequency of each test and present the relevant MR and CT tests for an integrated system. In addition, we recommend a scheme of preventive actions to avoid QC tests from drifting out of the predefined range of acceptable performance values such that an optimal performance of the PET system is maintained for routine clinical use.

Quality control recommendations for RNASeq using FFPE samples based on pre-sequencing lab metrics and post-sequencing bioinformatics metrics

BackgroundFormalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues have many advantages for identification of risk biomarkers, including wide availability and potential for extended follow-up endpoints. However, RNA derived from archival FFPE samples has limited quality. Here we identified parameters that determine which FFPE samples have the potential for successful RNA extraction, library preparation, and generation of usable RNAseq data.MethodsWe optimized library preparation protocols designed for use with FFPE samples using seven FFPE and Fresh Frozen replicate pairs, and tested optimized protocols using a study set of 130 FFPE biopsies from women with benign breast disease. Metrics from RNA extraction and preparation procedures were collected and compared with bioinformatics sequencing summary statistics. Finally, a decision tree model was built to learn the relationship between pre-sequencing lab metrics and qc pass/fail status as determined by bioinformatics metrics.ResultsSamples that failed bioinformatics qc tended to have low median sample-wise correlation within the cohort (Spearman correlation < 0.75), low number of reads mapped to gene regions (< 25 million), or low number of detectable genes (11,400 # of detected genes with TPM > 4). The median RNA concentration and pre-capture library Qubit values for qc failed samples were 18.9 ng/ul and 2.08 ng/ul respectively, which were significantly lower than those of qc pass samples (40.8 ng/ul and 5.82 ng/ul). We built a decision tree model based on input RNA concentration, input library qubit values, and achieved an F score of 0.848 in predicting QC status (pass/fail) of FFPE samples.ConclusionsWe provide a bioinformatics quality control recommendation for FFPE samples from breast tissue by evaluating bioinformatic and sample metrics. Our results suggest a minimum concentration of 25 ng/ul FFPE-extracted RNA for library preparation and 1.7 ng/ul pre-capture library output to achieve adequate RNA-seq data for downstream bioinformatics analysis.

Production of High-Titer Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus from Allantoic Fluid.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), also known as avian orthoavulavirus serotype-1, is a negative sense, single-stranded RNA virus that has been developed both as an oncolytic virus and a viral-vectored vaccine. NDV is an attractive therapeutic and prophylactic agent due to its well-established reverse genetics system, potent immunostimulatory properties, and excellent safety profile. When administered as an oncolytic virus or a viral-vectored vaccine, NDV elicits a robust antitumor or antigen-specific immune response, activating both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Given these desirable characteristics, NDV has been evaluated in numerous clinical trials and is one of the most well-studied oncolytic viruses. Currently, there are two registered clinical trials involving NDV: one evaluating a recombinant NDV-vectored vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 (NCT04871737), and a second evaluating a recombinant NDV encoding Interleukin-12 in combination with Durvalumab, an antiPD-L1 antibody (NCT04613492). To facilitate further advancement of this highly promising viral vector, simplified methods for generating high-titer, in vivo-grade, recombinant NDV (rNDV) are needed. This paper describes a detailed procedure for amplifying rNDV in specified pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs and purifying rNDV from allantoic fluid, with improvements to reduce loss during purification. Also included are descriptions of the recommended quality control assays, which should be performed to confirm lack of contaminants and virus integrity. Overall, this detailed procedure enables the synthesis, purification, and storage of high-titer, in vivo-grade, recombinant, lentogenic, and mesogenic NDV for use in preclinical studies.

Aspects of quality control over the organization and examination of temporary disability at the current stage

Purpose of the study. Coverage of the problem and formation of recommendations for quality control over the organization and conduct of examination of temporary disability at the present stage.&#x0D; Materials and methods of research. In order to highlight the problems of legal assessment of the quality of the organization and conduct an interim examination at the current level, we analyzed the regulations adopted at the level of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, identified gaps and recommendations for adopting orders of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. quality at the level of health care institutions&#x0D; Conclusions. When implementing quality control measures for the organization and examination of temporary disability at the present stage, special attention should be paid to the development of more detailed and specific legislative documents highlighting the functional responsibilities, rights and responsibilities of health care workers, as well as internal orders governing the examination of temporary disability. disability (ETN) and all components of its activities, including the availability of quarterly and annual reports, analysis of morbidity with temporary disability, indicating specific measures to reduce it, etc. Changes in the regulatory framework of external departmental and interagency control over the implementation of ETN dictate the need to adjust already established organizational forms of control at the level of relevant control structures, as well as strengthening internal departmental control over the organization of ETN in health care facilities. requirements at the present stage.

AIAP: A Quality Control and Integrative Analysis Package to Improve ATAC-seq Data Analysis

Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) is a technique widely used to investigate genome-wide chromatin accessibility. The recently published Omni-ATAC-seq protocol substantially improves the signal/noise ratio and reduces the input cell number. High-quality data are critical to ensure accurate analysis. Several tools have been developed for assessing sequencing quality and insertion size distribution for ATAC-seq data; however, key quality control (QC) metrics have not yet been established to accurately determine the quality of ATAC-seq data. Here, we optimized the analysis strategy for ATAC-seq and defined a series of QC metrics for ATAC-seq data, including reads under peak ratio (RUPr), background (BG), promoter enrichment (ProEn), subsampling enrichment (SubEn), and other measurements. We incorporated these QC tests into our recently developed ATAC-seq Integrative Analysis Package (AIAP) to provide a complete ATAC-seq analysis system, including quality assurance, improved peak calling, and downstream differential analysis. We demonstrated a significant improvement of sensitivity (20%–60%) in both peak calling and differential analysis by processing paired-end ATAC-seq datasets using AIAP. AIAP is compiled into Docker/Singularity, and it can be executed by one command line to generate a comprehensive QC report. We used ENCODE ATAC-seq data to benchmark and generate QC recommendations, and developed qATACViewer for the user-friendly interaction with the QC report. The software, source code, and documentation of AIAP are freely available at https://github.com/Zhang-lab/ATAC-seq_QC_analysis.

Libidibia ferrea extract as a promising antidiabetic agent: characterization, pre-clinical analysis and development of pharmaceutical dosage forms / Extrato de Libidibia ferrea como um promissor agente antidiabético: caracterização, análise pré-clínica e desenvolvimento de formas de dosagem farmacêutica

The present work aimed at developing pharmaceutical dosage forms based on the dry bark extract of Libidibia ferrea for the treatment of diabetes mellitus . The physicochemical characterization of the plant raw material, extractive solution and dry extract obtained by freeze drying were carried out. Effervescent granules, oral solution and tablets from the dry extract were developed and subjected to the recommended quality control tests. All materials presented standardized values after physical-chemical characterization. The presence of several secondary compounds was confirmed, and the content of the tannins was determined. The extract did not present acute toxicity in the in vivo experiment and provided an increase in glucose uptake in the in vitro study. The developed formulations complied with previously established values for quality control. The results show the safety and efficacy of the developed products, may being promising options in the treatment of diabetes mellitus .

Analysis and Treatment of abnormal Expander Oil Level in a 220kV Current Transformer

A disassembly analysis and treatment of abnormal oil level fault of current transformer expander is introduced in this article. After returning to the factory for a comprehensive electrical test and investigation, it was found that the reason was the wrong wiring of the zero screen lead. Recommendations for quality control and preventive measures and operation and maintenance procedures for this type of electrical equipment are given in this paper, providing a basis for further research.

Control of stenting procedures with optical imaging

The article presents how application of optical methods of imaging may aid control of more and more widespread stenting procedure. Modern gastro-videoendoscopy is especially useful in such therapeutic effects made in particular parts of the alimentary tract. The shown selected examples relate to results of real studies made in cooperation with medical specialists Full Text: PDF ReferencesA. Cysewska-Sobusiak, "Examples of acquisition and application of biooptical signals", Phot. Lett. Poland 11, 2 (2019). CrossRef P. Listewnik and A. Mazikowski, "Automatic system for optical parameters measurements of biological tissues", Phot. Lett. Poland 10, 3 (2018). CrossRef J-S. Park, S. Jeong, and D. H. Lee, "Recent Advances in Gastrointestinal Stent Development", Clin. Endosc. 48, 3 (2015). CrossRef B.S. Dhillon, "Medical device reliability and associated areas" (Boca Raton, CRC Press LLC 2000). CrossRef J.F. Rey, R. Lambert, and The ESGE Quality Assurance Committee, "ESGE Recommendations for Quality Control in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Guidelines for Image Documentation in Upper and Lower GI Endoscopy", Endoscopy 33 (2001). CrossRef W.M. Saltzman, "Biomedical engineering. Bridging medicine and technology" (Cambridge University Press 2009). CrossRef F.A. Duck, "Physical properties of tissue: a comprehensive reference book" (San Diego, Academia Press 1990). CrossRef A. Cysewska-Sobusiak, "One-dimensional representation of light-tissue interaction for application in noninvasive oximetry", Opt. Eng. 36, 4 (1997). CrossRef A. Cysewska-Sobusiak, P. Skrzywanek, and A. Sowier, "Utilization of Miniprobes in Modern Endoscopic Ultrasonography", IEEE Sensors Journal 6, 5 (2006). CrossRef T. Mahmood, M.A. Scaffidi, R Khan, and S.Ch. Grover, "Virtual reality simulation in endoscopy training: Current evidence and future directions", World Journal of Gastroenterol. 24, 48 (2018). CrossRef https://medical.olympusamerica.com DirectLink

A manual multiplex immunofluorescence method for investigating neurodegenerative diseases

BackgroundNeurodegenerative diseases feature stereotypical deposits of protein aggregates that selectively accumulate in vulnerable cells. The ability to simultaneously localize multiple targets in situ is critical to facilitate discovery and validation of pathogenic molecular pathways. Immunostaining methods enable in situ detection of specific targets. Effective stripping of antibodies, allowing successive rounds of staining while maintaining tissue adhesion and antigen integrity, is the main roadblock for enabling multiplex immunostaining in standard labs. Furthermore, stripping techniques require antibody-specific optimization, validation, and quality control steps. New methodAiming to create protocols for multiplex localization of neurodegenerative-related processes, without the need for specialized equipment, we evaluated several antibody stripping techniques. We also recommend quality control steps to validate stripping efficacy and ameliorate concerns of cross-reactivity and false positives based on extensive testing. ResultsA protocol using β-mercaptoethanol and SDS consistently enables reliable antibody stripping across multiple rounds of staining and minimizes the odds of cross-reactivity while preserving tissue adhesion and antigen integrity in human postmortem tissue. Comparison with existing methodsOur proposed method is optimal for standard lab settings and shows consistent efficacy despite the intricacies of suboptimal human postmortem tissue and the need to strip markers bound to highly aggregated proteins. Additionally, it incorporates quality control steps to validate antibody stripping. ConclusionsMultiplex immunofluorescence methods for studying neurodegenerative diseases in human postmortem tissue are feasible even in standard laboratories. Nevertheless, evaluation of stripping parameters during optimization and validation phases of experiments is prudent.

Alignment and Proficiency of Virgin Olive Oil Sensory Panels: The OLEUM Approach.

A set of 334 commercial virgin olive oil (VOO) samples were evaluated by six sensory panels during the H2020 OLEUM project. Sensory data were elaborated with two main objectives: (i) to classify and characterize samples in order to use them for possible correlations with physical–chemical data and (ii) to monitor and improve the performance of panels. After revision of the IOC guidelines in 2018, this work represents the first published attempt to verify some of the recommended quality control tools to increase harmonization among panels. Specifically, a new “decision tree” scheme was developed, and some IOC quality control procedures were applied. The adoption of these tools allowed for reliable classification of 289 of 334 VOOs; for the remaining 45, misalignments between panels of first (on the category, 21 cases) or second type (on the main perceived defect, 24 cases) occurred. In these cases, a “formative reassessment” was necessary. At the end, 329 of 334 VOOs (98.5%) were classified, thus confirming the effectiveness of this approach to achieve a better proficiency. The panels showed good performance, but the need to adopt new reference materials that are stable and reproducible to improve the panel’s skills and agreement also emerged.

Improving quality control of yucca extracts used as food additives by screening antimicrobial activity using NMR metabolomics.

Yucca schidigera is mainly distributed in southwestern US and the northern desert of Mexico. Its extract is widely used as a food additive for its antimicrobial activity. However, this antimicrobial activity is subject to significant variability across production lots. Yucca extracts are natural products and their composition is affected by their cultivation area and weather. Manufacturer deal with natural products such as food additives pay particularly close attention to quality control. In the present study, NMR metabolomics methods were used to screen the antimicrobial activity of yucca extracts. Yucca extracts were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and categorized on a score plot of their 1H NMR spectral data according to their antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was also used to classify yucca extracts based on their antimicrobial activity. Classification using PCA and HCA was dependent upon saponin content, particularly that of schidigera-saponin A1 and D1, which was further confirmed by HPLC analysis of the yucca extracts. We demonstrated that NMR-based metabolomics is a potentially useful tool to use in combination with conventional quality control methods for yucca extracts used as food additives. We envisage this method as tool for initially screening the extracts prior to carrying out the officially recommended quality control tests.

Clinically Valuable Quality Control for PET/MRI Systems: Consensus Recommendation From the HYBRID Consortium

Quality control (QC) of medical imaging devices is essential to ensure their proper function and to gain accurate and quantitative results. Therefore, several international bodies have published QC guidelines and recommendations for a wide range of imaging modalities to ensure adequate performance of the systems. Hybrid imaging systems such as positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET/CT) or PET/ magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI), in particular, present additional challenges caused by differences between the combined modalities. However, despite the increasing use of this hybrid imaging modality in recent years, there are no dedicated QC recommendations for PET/MRI. Therefore, this work aims at collecting information on QC procedures across a European PET/MRI network, presenting quality assurance procedures implemented by PET/MRI vendors and achieving a consensus on PET/MRI QC procedures across imaging centers. Users of PET/MRI systems at partner sites involved in the HYBRID consortium were surveyed about local frequencies of QC procedures for PET/MRI. Although all sites indicated that they perform vendor-specific daily QC procedures, significant variations across the centers were observed for other QC tests and testing frequencies. Likewise, variations in available recommendations and guidelines and the QC procedures implemented by vendors were found. Based on the available information and our clinical expertise within this consortium, we were able to propose a minimum set of PET/MRI QC recommendations including the daily QC, cross-calibration tests and an image quality (IQ) assessment for PET and coil checks and MR image quality tests for MRI. Together with regular checks of the PET–MRI alignment, proper PET/MRI performance can be ensured.

Applications of 4D GIS Model in Construction Management

Construction project involves participation of various stakeholders, contractors, and agencies for timely and effective completion. Each activity and resources of contractors are preplanned to avoid delay of project. Planning, designing and scheduling of structure are done with the help of available software’s. But this software’s still lack feature of providing related construction information in 3D model and also there isn’t any system available which can handle all project related information and documents on single platform. 4D Geographic information system (GIS) model is created by inter-linking schedule of activities and computer aided designs (CAD) drawings on GIS platform for G+4 building located in Navi Mumbai, India. The developed model can handle all project related database on single platform. Proposed methodology helps in determining incompleteness and logical errors in scheduling or designing and helps us to determine feasible route for manpower and material movement from different locations to construction site. 4D GIS model maintains spatial data such as different 3D components of structure in separate layers which is geo-referenced spatially and necessary nonspatial information such as dimensions, materials required, schedule, related documents, persons responsible, safety and quality control recommendations, site expenditure and material inventory are stored in attribute tables. This research concludes that GIS model can create real time building construction information database.

Quality control of radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic nuclear medicine equipment

Quality control (QC) in nuclear medicine (NM) is used to detect deterioration or irregularities with respect to the imaging device (e.g. the gamma camera), the dose calibrator, or the radiopharmaceutical. National Regulatory Authority (RA) regulations and requirements have an essential role to play in improving diagnostic image quality (IQ) and reduction of radiation dose to patients. To-date, little attention has been given to IQ and instrument QC in Sudan, including gamma cameras, dose calibrators, and radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the current QC application status of NM equipment and radiopharmaceuticals in Sudan. All existing five NM Departments in the country were included in this survey and data was collected using a questionnaire. The survey data showed that for gamma cameras and radiopharmaceuticals, the level of implementation for the recommended QC tests was 60% and 35%, respectively, and as such they are not fully compliant with international recommendations. Dose calibrators, however, were complying with the international QC recommendations (75%). These results highlight the need for awareness and training programmes in IQ and patient dose control. The study concludes that the operation of NM equipment in the country is inadequate and does not ensure good quality images for diagnosis, patients also potentially receiving unnecessary radiation dose due to the lack of a proper QC program. Compliance with the national RA regulations is necessary to improve IQ and seek optimum patient dose.

Comparison of Different Classical and Instrumental Analysis Methods for Precise Quantification of Calcium and Phosphorous Ratio in Hydroxyapatite

The largest comparison of analytical techniques, useful for calcium phosphates, has been conducted, presenting recommendations for quality control and research of calcium phosphates. Results from three classical quantification methods (gravimetry, titramety, photometry) and three instrumental measurement methods (XRF, FAAS ICP-OES) are reported to determine the most accurate, fastest and cheapest analysis method. Remarks are given for increasing the accuracy for each method and corrections made for adsorbed water. For routine analysis, a recommendation is given to ICP-OES for a fast analysis, together with a less frequent use of gravimetry to validate the results and provide a periodic cross-check.

Comparative evaluation of the UMIC Colistine kit to assess MIC of colistin of gram-negative rods

BackgroundThe recent description of the first plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant gene mcr-1, conferring transferable and low-level resistance to colistin, raised concern about the need to implement a rapid and reliable screening method to detect colistin-resistant clinical isolates. The only valid method to assess the MIC of colistin is the broth microdilution according to the joint CLSI-EUCAST Polymyxin Breakpoints Working Group. UMIC Colistine is a ready-to-use broth microdilution kit developed to easily assess colistin MIC by proposing unitary polystyrene strips containing 11 concentrations of dehydrated colistin. Here, we evaluated the UMIC Colistine kit on 235 Gram-negative rods (176 Enterobacterales, including 70 harboring a mcr gene, and 59 non-fermentative), through comparison to the reference broth microdilution method prepared in accordance with EN ISO 20776-1:2006 standard. Reproducibility of the UMIC Colistine was assayed with the three recommended quality control strains E. coli ATCC 25922, E. coli NCTC 13846 (mcr-1 positive), and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, as for stability testing.ResultsCategorical agreement was 100% with 63.4% (n = 149) of colistin-resistant strains, and 36.6% (n = 86) of colistin-susceptible strains with both methods (S ≤ 2 μg/mL and R > 2 μg/mL). No major error or very major error was reported. Essential agreement was 94.0% (n = 221), and 100% for detection of colistin-resistant strains as compared to the reference method. Pearson’s correlation between UMIC Colistine and the reference method was 0.98. Reproducibility of the UMIC Colistine system was 97.8% with MICs of the quality control strains within the target ranges. However, some isolates had lower MIC with UMIC Colistine, but that did not change their categorization as colistin-susceptible, and this phenomenon should be further explored.ConclusionsThe UMIC Colistine kit is an easy to perform unitary device that showed excellent results when compared to the reference method. The UMIC Colistine system is a rapid and reliable broth microdilution method that is suitable to assess the colistin MIC of clinical isolates in clinical microbiology laboratories.

Practical application of the sigma-metric run size nomogram for multistage bracketed statistical quality control analysis of eight enzymes

BackgroundA sigma-metric run size nomogram is used to recommend quality control (QC) strategies to reduce patient risks. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the sigma performance of 8 enzymes and apply multistage bracketed statistical QC (SQC). MethodsSigma performance of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), amylase (AMY), and lipase (LIP) were determined. Daily workload of each test was estimated and expected reporting QC intervals were designed. Per the nomogram, “start-up” and “monitor” QC rules were determined from sigma performance. SQC was finally applied, followed by quality improvement. ResultsSigma metrics were as follows: 5.26 (ALT), 4.80(AST), 5.25(GGT), 3.36(ALP), 4.71(LDH), 15.45(CK), 10.77(AMY), and 3.70 (LIP). “Start-up” rules were MR N2, MR N4, MR N2, MR N4, MR N4, 1:2.5 s N1, 1:3 s N1, and MR N4, and “monitor” QC rules were 1:2.5 s N1, 1:3 s N2, 1:2.5 s N1, MR N4, 1:3 s N2, 1:3 s N1, 1:3 s N1, MR N2 for 8 enzymes, respectively. ConclusionMultistage bracketed SQC is determined by sigma performance. Risk monitoring is significant during assaying to reduce patient risks and improve quality.

A Further Comment on 'Large-Scale Cognitive GWAS Meta-Analysis Reveals Tissue-Specific Neural Expression and Potential Nootropic Drug Targets' by Lam et al.

Lam et al. (2018) respond to a commentary of their paper entitled 'Large-Scale Cognitive GWAS Meta-Analysis Reveals Tissue-Specific Neural Expression and Potential Nootropic Drug Targets' Lam et al. (2017). While Lam et al. (2018) have now provided the recommended quality control metrics for their paper, problems remain. Specifically, Lam et al. (2018) do not dispute that the results of their multi-trait analysis of genome-wide association study (MTAG) analysis has produced a phenotype with a genetic correlation of one with three measures of education, but do claim the associations found are specific to the trait of cognitive ability. In this brief paper, it is empirically demonstrated that the phenotype derived by Lam et al. (2017) is more genetically similar to education than cognitive ability. In addition, it is shown that of the genome-wide significant loci identified by Lam et al. (2017) are loci that are associated with education rather than with cognitive ability.

Smoking fewer than 20 cigarettes per day and remaining abstinent for more than 12 hours reduces carboxyhemoglobin levels in packed red blood cells for transfusion.

BackgroundThe prevalence of smokers among blood donors and the effect of smoking on the quality of donated blood have not been extensively explored. In the present study, we determined the prevalence of smoker donors in a large blood bank in Southern Brazil and evaluated the quality of packed red blood cells (RBCs) from these donors through recommended quality control tests and measurement of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels. We then assessed the influence of smoking habits and abstinence before donation on these parameters.Material and methodsAn observational study was conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking donors, while a prospective cohort study compared conventional hematological and serological parameters and COHb levels at 0, 15, and 30 days after donation in RBCs donated by smokers (N = 31) and nonsmokers (N = 31) and their association with smoking habits and abstinence before donation.ResultsOf 14,428 blood donations received in 1 year, 5.9% were provided by smokers. Storage over time slightly altered some quality parameters, such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, hemolysis, and COHb levels, in RBC packs. COHb levels were higher in RBC packs from smokers (8%) than from non-smokers (2%), and increased as a function of the number of cigarettes smoked daily and time elapsed since the last cigarette smoked before donation. Lower levels were found in RBC packs from donors who smoked fewer than 20 cigarettes per day or remained abstinent for more than 12h before giving blood.ConclusionAlthough cigarette smoke had no significant effect on blood quality parameters such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, or hemolysis, it quadrupled COHb levels in packed RBCs. Abstinence from smoking for more than 12h or smoking fewer than 20 cigarettes daily helped decrease COHb levels.ImplicationsGiven the increasing prevalence of tobacco use worldwide, we suggest blood banks recommend 12h of tobacco abstinence before donation and analyze COHb levels in donated blood as an approach to reduce risk for high-risk recipients.