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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.

Transfusion
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Published: 
Apr 21, 2021

Preoperative Autologous Donation

Chapter 16

This chapter focuses on preoperative autologous donation (PAD). PAD refers to the donation of blood by a patient for their own future use; generally, this is for a scheduled elective surgery. The top three procedures associated with a request for a PAD are total hip replacement, total knee replacement and hysterectomy.1

There are other types of autologous blood use (e.g., acute normovolemic hemodilution and intraoperative and postoperative blood salvage) which are not discussed in this chapter.

Autologous and directed donations should be confined to circumstances of rare blood types2 or plasma protein deficiencies in which allogeneic blood components may not meet patient needs. In all other cases, allogeneic blood transfusions are a safe option. See Chapter 13 of this Guide for more information on directed donations for neonatal and pediatric transfusion.

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Upcoming Events

Topic Teaching: Immunohaematology Reference Lab Jeopardy – Part 2

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

Toronto/Webinar

Presented by:

Dr. Waseem Anani
Medical Officer
Canadian Blood Services

Objectives:

1.    Become familiar with less commonly encountered antibodies.
2.    Describe at least one unique feature of red blood cell antigens/antibodies from each case.
3.    List the 3 defining features of a warm autoantibody.

References:

No reading list.

 

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.

Transfusion

Topic Teaching: Pandemic Planning at a Blood Centre

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When
May 4, 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.

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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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