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Tracking the prevalence of COVID-19 at top speed

Modified on:

Oct 19, 2020

How Canadian Blood Services quickly stood up a seroprevalence lab able to test thousands of donor blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies each day

Norman Bethune Symposium 2020

Modified on:

Oct 7, 2020

Postponed in April 2020, the Centre for Blood Research’s annual Norman Bethune Symposium moved to an online format and was held on Sept. 9, 2020. We heard from some Canadian Blood Services research trainees about the symposium and their experiences presenting their work in the “new normal” virtual format, which included a research showcase via Twitter.

Machine learning opens new frontiers in red blood cell research

Modified on:

Sep 28, 2020

With their recent study, Centre for Innovation senior scientist Dr. Jason Acker and his international colleagues bring studying red blood cell shape into the 21st century.

Dr. Heyu Ni inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

Modified on:

Sep 23, 2020

The Centre for Innovation’s Dr. Heyu Ni has been honoured by induction into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Considered one of the highest honours for Canadian academics, Dr. Ni’s election as a Fellow is a recognition of the excellence of his work as a leader in Canadian health sciences.

Transfusion Camp carries on: educating physicians about using blood wisely

Modified on:

Sep 14, 2020

Transfusion Camp is an educational program established by the University of Toronto QUEST program that teaches physicians how to use blood wisely. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we questioned whether Transfusion Camp could continue.

Honouring Earl W. Davie (1927-2020)

Modified on:

Sep 9, 2020

In 1964, a seminal paper described the “waterfall” sequence of coagulation, representing a huge leap in our understanding of how blood clots. One of its authors, Dr. Earl W. Davie, a giant of blood coagulation research, died in June 2020 at the age of 92. We reflect on his legacy.

Honest and compassionate leadership in a crisis: An interview with Dr. Isra Levy

Modified on:

Aug 19, 2020

Dr. Isra Levy is in charge of medical and scientific support for all aspects of Canadian Blood Services’ work — how does he prepare for this job during a pandemic? To better understand what crisis leadership is, I asked Isra to share the lessons he has learned through his leadership journey.

Genotyping red blood cells can make transfusions safer for patients with sickle cell disease

Modified on:

Aug 11, 2020

A research team that includes experts from Canadian Blood Services and the McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research showed that genotyping red blood cell proteins could help make transfusions safer for patients with sickle cell disease.

Blood transfusion during the pandemic: strategies in a time of uncertainty

Modified on:

Aug 6, 2020

COVID-19 has brought major implications for blood transfusion practices: uncertain demand patterns, reduced donations and loss of staff. A recent publication synthesizes studies that address the transfusion chain and provide guidance during times of potential or actual shortage. Dr. Mindy Goldman, medical director at Canadian Blood Services, is one of the study’s authors.

Knowledge synthesis forum highlights dedication of research teams and stakeholders, commitment of Canadian blood operators

Modified on:

Jul 30, 2020

In 2017, Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec launched a research program dedicated to advancing donor eligibility criteria specific to men who have sex with men. In November 2019, the blood operators hosted a knowledge synthesis forum in Toronto to bring stakeholders together and see where this research stands. A report from this forum is now available on blood.ca.

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