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2020 Surveillance Report shows blood supply remained above target in first year of pandemic

Modified on:

Sep 16, 2021

Canadian Blood Services recently published its annual Surveillance Report, a summary of monitoring efforts related to transmissible infection testing in donors; possible transfusion-transmitted infections in recipients; and new, emerging pathogens. Surveillance also includes monitoring of donor safety.

International team concludes convalescent plasma is not effective for treating COVID-19

Modified on:

Sep 10, 2021

At the start of the pandemic, convalescent plasma was seen as potential therapy for treating COVID-19. But now, an international team led by Canadian scientists has published results from the largest clinical trial on convalescent plasma and COVID-19, showing it is not effective as a treatment against COVID-19.

Improving red blood cell inventory to support patients with sickle cell disease

Modified on:

Sep 7, 2021

Transfusions can be a life-saving treatment for people living with sickle cell disease but finding compatible blood can be a challenge because Black and racialized donors—the ones with the best potential to match most SCD patients— are underrepresented in the donor pool. Read about initiatives that can support this patient group by improving the red blood cell inventory.

Honouring Dr. Ed Conway: A symposium on blood and blood-related disorders

Modified on:

Aug 12, 2021

Dr. Edward M. Conway’s 11-year tenure as director of the Centre for Blood Research was characterized by boundless energy and enthusiasm. A virtual symposium in April 2021 brought together researchers from Canada and the United States to pay tribute to Conway’s leadership and his contributions to blood research.

ISBT In Focus 2021

Modified on:

Aug 3, 2021

For the second year, the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) offered their annual congress online. In June 2021, the virtual “ISBT In Focus” explored the latest in transfusion medicine and science, immunohematology and cellular therapies. In today’s blog, two Canadian Blood Services’ delegates describe their experiences at the congress.

Reducing platelet wastage while on the move

Modified on:

Jul 22, 2021

Despite the critical and increasing demand for platelets within the health-care system, they remain the most commonly discarded blood component in Canada. Improper storage outside of the hospital blood bank is the main reason that platelets get discarded before they’ve reached the end of their 7-day shelf life. A team from University of Toronto QUEST research program tested a storage bag specially designed to address the problem of platelet discards.

Diverse talks that informed and inspired – Norman Bethune Symposium 2021

Modified on:

Jul 9, 2021

Postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Basit Yousuf, describes his experience attending and presenting at the 10th annual Norman Bethune Symposium.

Laying the groundwork for a more inclusive blood system

Modified on:

Jun 24, 2021

Dr. Catherine Jenkins, scientist and LGBTQ+ advocate, is part of our effort to evolve donor screening questions.

CBR travel awards support scientists' learning at the AABB 2020 Virtual Conference

Modified on:

Jun 4, 2021

The AABB Annual Meeting is considered a must-attend event for those wishing to learn about cutting edge research and technology advances in blood banking and transfusion medicine and science. Two Centre for Blood Research trainees describe their experiences at AABB 2020 – an international, high profile conference attended from the comfort of their own homes due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The impact of COVID-19 on blood donation in Canada

Modified on:

May 25, 2021

An article recently published on the Canadian Blood Services’ professional education website looks back on the impact of the pandemic on blood donation in Canada.

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