OBJECTIVES: LOINC(R)(Logical Observations Identifiers, Names, Codes) is being used as the global standard for sharing laboratory test information and standardization. However, difficulties have been encountered in transferring local code to LOINC. Use in existing laboratory information systems(LIS) is possible with maximized local codes and LOINC mapping. Since the existing mapping tool has parts that do not match domestic medical environments, it is difficult to use without modification or supplementation. To this end, we have developed algorithms for LOINC mapping and have evaluated their usefulness. METHODS: We used 2,376 M-codes transformed from Pusan National University Hospital's 1,150 local codes, and codes from various laboratory test domains(Diagnostic Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Seroimmunology, Molecular and Cytogenetics, Microbiology, Transfusion Medicine). In materializing the automatic mapping algorithms, spread sheet programs(Excel, Microsoft) and existing mapping tools(RELMA, Regenstrief) were used. The accuracy of the mapped codes was verified by a specialist of the Laboratory Medicine Department. RESULTS: Of the 2,376 M-codes, mapping on LOINC was found to be possible for 78.7%(1,871) while LOINC corresponding with the local codes could not be found for 21.3%(505). Of the mapped codes, 90.8%(1,699) were mapped accurately automatically, while the rest were mapped manually. CONCLUSIONS: The LOINC mapping algorithm that was developed in this study was useful for mapping various forms of local code with LOINC.
Adoption ; Chemistry, Clinical ; Cytogenetics ; Hematology ; Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes ; Specialization

BACKGROUND: Alloantibodies to red cell antigens may cause acute or delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs). In most cases, however, anamnestic antibody production causes only a delayed serological transfusion reaction (DSTR). According to the previous reports, alloimmunization occured with a risk of 1-2.6%, however, no prospective studies on a DSTR have been performed in Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the frequency of alloimmunization and its clinical significance in Korean population. METHODS: Antibody screening tests were performed for a total of 1,903 patients who were transfused with packed RBCs from May 2003 through July 2004. One blood sample from each patient was collected within 7-10 day after transfusion and screened for serological evidence of alloimmunization. If any antibody was detected the patient's post-transfusion sample was screened for biochemical evidence of hemolysis and the patients' medical records were reviewed for documentation of clinical signs of a transfusion reaction. RESULTS: Overall, 17/1,903 patients became alloimmunized for a frequency of 0.89%. Only one of 1,903 patients had clinical evidence of hemolysis, and the frequency of DHTR was 0.053%. Interestingly, anti-Dia which was characteristic antibody in Asian-Mongoloid populations was detected in three patients, and anti-Mia was found in one patient. CONCLUSION: This study showed lower frequency of DSTR and DHTR, compared with previous studies in Caucasian. However, it is noteworthy that the incidence of anti-Dia was relatively higher in Korean population.
Antibody Formation ; Blood Group Incompatibility* ; Hemolysis ; Humans ; Incidence ; Isoantibodies ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Medical Records ; Prospective Studies