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The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to determine whether there were donor factors that were useful for predicting the yield of nucleated cells from marrow derived from cadaveric vertebral bodies. An analysis of 132 donors over a 6-year period was performed. The average number of vertebral bodies procured from each donor was 10.2 ± 1.6 (range 5-14). The total number of nucleated cells recovered per donor ranged from 24 × 10 9 to 160 × 10 9 with an average recovery of 69 ± 28 × 10 9 cells. The cell viability of the recovered cells was >95%. The average age of the donors was 33 ± 14 years (mean ± SD; range 12-65) with an average weight of 169 ± 41 lb (range 82-308 lb). Males comprised 68% of the donor population. The average number of days from admission to death was 1.9 ± 1.7 with a range of 1-11.4 days and the interval between asystole and procurement averaged 3.1 ± 2.3 h (range (0.1-14.7 h). The majority of donors died from head trauma due to an intracranial bleed, gunshot wound, or closed head injury. Regression analysis of the data indicated that the total nucleated cell yield tended to decrease with increasing time between hospital admission and death. The data also indicated that in general female donors yielded lower cell numbers independent of age and male donors under 30 years of age yielded the highest number of cells.

Introduction National guidelines suggest recommended staffing levels for therapies. The aim of this study was to capture information on existing staffing levels, roles and responsibilities and service structures. Methods An observational study using online surveys distributed to 245 critical care units across the United Kingdom (UK). Surveys consisted of a generic and five profession specific surveys. Results Eight hundred sixty-two responses were received from 197 critical care units across the UK. Of those that responded, over 96% of units had input from dietetics, physiotherapy and SLT. Whereas only 59.1% and 48.1% had an OT or psychology service respectively. Units with ring fenced services had improved therapist to patient ratios. Discussion There is significant variation in access to therapists for patients admitted to critical care in the UK, with many services not having services for core therapies such as psychology and OT. Where services do exist, they fall below the recommended guidance.