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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
Modified on: 
Jul 20, 2021
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Anaphylactic transfusion reactions and IgA deficiency

Key Points

  • Severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions are reported in 1.2 to 5.9 per 100,000 components transfused. The most recent Canadian Blood Services surveillance data on allergic reactions is available in the annual surveillance report.
  • There are various mechanisms that can lead to anaphylactic or severe allergic reactions, and some may not be preventable despite product modification.
  • Even in the presence of low anti-IgA level and anti-IgA antibodies, risk of anaphylactic transfusion is low.
  • Anti-IgA testing is only recommended in selected individuals with history of one anaphylactic transfusion reaction or two severe allergic transfusion reactions.
  • The form for ordering anti-IgA testing can be found on the Canadian Blood Services website.
  • Instructions and guidance on how to report adverse transfusion reactions can be found in this guide on the Canadian Blood Services Professional Education website.
Transfusion
Modified on: 
May 20, 2021
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COVID-19 and transfusion medicine

http://cancovid19plasma.ca/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.

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Upcoming Events

World Congress of Intensive and Critical Care

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When
September 11, 2021 | 8:00AM to September 15, 2021 | 11:15AM
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Vancouver, BC

 

Organs and Tissues

UHN presents: Living Donation Week

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When
September 12, 2021 | 8:00AM to September 18, 2021 | 4:00PM
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Virtual Conference

What's your story? Living Donation Week 2021, September 12-18

 

Organs and Tissues

Canadian Society of Transplantation 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting

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October 4, 2021 | 8:00AM to October 7, 2021 | 4:00PM
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Banff, Alberta

The Canadian Society of Transplantation (CST) 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting is organized b the Canadian Society of Transplantation. This conference will be held from October 4 - 7, 2021 at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta, Canada. 

Additional details to follow. 

For more information on CST or the event, please click here. 

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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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