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Published: 
Jan 15, 2021

Blood Components

Chapter 2

Whole blood donations are separated into specific cellular (red blood cells and platelets) and plasma components. Transfusing the appropriate blood component to effectively provide for the clinical needs of patients optimizes use of donated blood.

This chapter describes the manufacturing process for the most commonly prepared blood components:

  • Red blood cells (RBC)
  • Platelets: pooled and apheresis
  • Frozen plasma (FP)
  • Apheresis fresh frozen plasma (AFFP)
  • Cryosupernatant plasma (CSP)
  • Cryoprecipitate
Transfusion
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Published: 
Apr 13, 2021

Donor Selection, Donor Testing and Pathogen Reduction

Chapter 6

All blood transfused in Canada is collected from volunteer donors. To ensure the safety of blood components, donors are carefully screened. In addition, the donated blood is tested to identify blood group, blood group antibodies and transfusion-transmissible pathogens. Donor eligibility criteria and testing also benefit the donors by reducing potential blood donation-related health risks.

This chapter describes the donor selection process, the testing done on donated blood, and the pathogen inactivation processes that can further reduce risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases. This chapter is complemented by Chapter 7, Fractionated Blood products and Associated Pathogen Safety, and Chapter 8, Pre-transfusion Testing, of this Guide.

Transfusion
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Published: 
Mar 2, 2021

Irradiated, Washed and CMV Seronegative Blood Components

Chapter 15

Modified or specialty blood components may be useful in specific clinical settings to reduce the risk of transfusion-related harm. This chapter describes the preparation of irradiated, washed, and CMV seronegative cellular blood components (red blood cells and platelets) and the clinical setting in which they are of greatest benefit.

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Upcoming Events

U of T Rounds: Cold Immune Hemolytic Anemia: Clinical aspects and advances in treatment

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When
April 22, 2021 | 12:00PM to 1:00PM
Where

Toronto/Webinar

Presented by:

Ilene Weitz, MD
Professor of Medicine
Jane Anne Nohl Division of Hematology
Keck-USC School of Medicine

Learning Objectives:

1.    To understand the different presentation of primary cold agglutinin disease (CAD) vs cold agglutinin syndrome.
2.    To understand the pathophysiology of CAD.
3.    To understand the role of complement in CAD.
4.    To understand the role of complement inhibition in managing CAD.

 

Transfusion

Topic Teaching: Ethics

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When
April 27, 2021 | 12:00PM to 1:00PM
Where

Toronto/Webinar

More details to follow.

 

Note: The session is a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Transfusion

Ontario's First Recommendations for Massive Hemorrhage Protocol

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When
April 30, 2021 | 7:00AM to 12:00PM
Where

Virtual Symposium

A virtual symposium promoting the Provincial Massive Hemorrhage Protocol and Toolkit

Objectives: 

1.    Discuss strategies to implement a standardized method of MHP activation and improve communication.
2.    Discuss rationale behind 2:1 ratio of RBC to plasma in MHP.
3.    Highlight importance of identifying and treating source of hemorrhage.
4.    Review strategies to achieve high level of team and protocol adherence.

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Blog

Modified on: 
Mar 10, 2021
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Challenges 2020: Lay science writing winners announced

The Centre for Innovation is delighted to announce the winners of the 2020-2021 Canadian Blood Services Lay Science Writing Competition. Read on to find out who won!

Transfusion

Modified on: 
Mar 3, 2021
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Why getting a COVID-19 vaccine shouldn’t stop you from donating blood

You may be aware that there’s no deferral for blood donors after they receive a vaccine against COVID-19. But you might be wondering how the blood operators made this decision. Canadian Blood Services' medical director for donor and clinical services, Dr. Mindy Goldman, answers questions.

Transfusion

Modified on: 
Feb 22, 2021
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New Nova Scotia law makes it easier to be an organ and tissue donor

For the 200 Nova Scotians waiting for a lifesaving organ or tissue transplant, new legislation offers hope.

Organs and Tissues

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