Transfusion medicine

Recent Updates

Modified on:

May 12, 2020

COVID-19 and transfusion medicine

This repository aims to support Canadian transfusion medicine health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be updated regularly as new information is available. In addition, the public and donors can learn more about how Canadian Blood Services is responding to COVID-19 by visiting blood.ca/covid-19.

Modified on:

Apr 30, 2020

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Forward

Phenotype matching and storage age of blood for sickle cell patients: A review and recommendations for transfusion practice

Alloimmunization is common in patients with sickle cell disease and may complicate transfusion therapy.
Patient phenotyping and prophylactic matching to reduce alloimmunization is recommended.
Transfusion requirements and the presence or absence of red cell antibodies influence recommendations on the extent of phenotyping for patients with sickle cell disease.
Limited evidence exists on the impact of the storage age of blood in this population, but provision of fresh units imposes significant challenges and may compromise availability of optimally phenotype-matched units.

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Forward

Published:

Aug 8, 2019

Donor Selection, Donor Testing and Pathogen Reduction

Chapter 6

All blood transfused in Canada is collected from volunteer donors. To ensure the safety of the blood products, donors are carefully screened against an extended list of eligibility criteria. In addition, the donated blood is tested to identify the donor’s blood group and to detect blood group antibodies and transfusion-transmissible pathogens. Donor eligibility criteria and testing also benefit the donors by, for example, reducing potential blood donation-related health risks.

Upcoming Events

Exploring the frontiers of IVIG-associated hemolysis

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Forward

When

May 29, 2020 | 12:00PM to 1:30PM

Where

Webinar

Presented by:

Dr. Jacob Pendergrast, BA, BSc (Med), MD
Associate Medical Director,
Blood Transfusion Service
University Health Network

Dr. Donald Branch, BSc, MT(ASCP)SBB, PhD
Research Scientist
Centre for Innovation
Canadian Blood Services

Objectives:

1. Deepen our understanding of the incidence and risk-factors for IVIG-associated hemolysis.
2. Explore new advances in the prevention and minimization of IVIG-associated hemolysis.

ISBT Conference 2020

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Forward

When

May 30, 2020 | 8:00AM to June 2, 2020 | 4:00PM

Where

Barcelona, Spain

For information, please click here.

The use of whole blood to treat massive bleeding

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Forward

When

June 3, 2020 | 10:00AM to 11:00AM

Where

Webinar

Presenter:

Mark Yazer

Objective:

TBD

What is the ISBT webinar series?
The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) webinars are online lectures on a wide range of transfusion medicine-related topics presented by experts. The webinars are hosted monthly and are accessible for ISBT members. After attending a webinar you can receive a certificate of attendance upon request.

Blog

Modified on:

May 25, 2020

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Forward

Canadian Blood Services scientist Alan Lazarus honoured by the Canadian transfusion community

The Ortho Award is presented each year at the Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine annual meeting to honour an individual member who has provided a major service or innovation in transfusion medicine. Congratulations to Canadian Blood Services scientist Dr. Alan Lazarus who is the 2020 recipient.

Modified on:

Apr 29, 2020

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Forward

Funding awarded to researchers to optimize blood product use

Congratulations to the recipients of funding recently awarded through the Centre for Innovation’s Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program (or BEAP). This funding supports innovators conducting research to improve the efficient and appropriate utilization of blood and blood products while maintaining the safety of the blood system.

Modified on:

Apr 1, 2020

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Forward

Funding awarded to research and education innovators

Congratulations to the recipients of funding recently awarded through the Centre for Innovation’s BloodTechNet Award Program and Graduate Fellowship Program. This funding supports innovators in education and graduate students conducting research in the field of transfusion science.