Transfusion medicine

Canadian Blood Services supports best practices in transfusion medicine through the development of educational resources. Written by subject-matter experts from across Canada, our transfusion medicine resources support clinical practice and help health-care professionals stay current in an ever-changing field.

If you are a health-care professional working in transfusion medicine and have a comment or suggestions for new resources, please get in touch.

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Aditi Khandelwal
Transfusion Medicine Specialist and Hematologist

FAQ: Whole blood, leukocytes reduced (LrWB) at Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services began producing whole blood, leukocytes reduced (LrWB) in November 2022. Initially restricted for use by the Canadian Armed Forces, access to LrWB was expanded to non-military use in the context of clinical trials in January 2025. Read our FAQ to find out more about LrWB.

Summary of adverse transfusion reactions 2020-2025

According to Blood Regulations, hospitals are required to report adverse transfusion reactions following a transfusion to Canadian Blood Services if the reaction is thought to be caused by a blood component deficiency affecting its safety, and is attributable to a regulated activity at Canadian Blood Services (e.g., donor selection, blood collection, manufacturing).

Blood components

This chapter provides an overview of red blood cells, whole blood leukocytes reduced, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate processing at Canadian Blood Services. Additional information on component dosing, indications/contraindications and alternatives are included.
Announcement

Latest updates from the National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products (as of February 26, 2025)

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