How Canadian Blood Services’ research and education activities support continuous improvement in blood and plasma donor wellness
Donors are the foundation of a blood system and their ongoing voluntary participation supports a secure and sustainable blood supply that saves lives. Every day, Canadian Blood Services collects these lifesaving donations, carefully processes and distributes them coast to coast to meet the diverse needs of patients and healthcare systems. Our world is continuously changing and so is the donor base. To adapt to these changes, Canadian Blood Services uses an interdisciplinary research and education network to continuously improve the donor experience and prioritize donor wellness. This blog
March 31, 2026
Apr 28 12:00 pm | Toronto/Virtual
Topic: Updates to the ISBT Blood Group Database for Clinical Transfusion Medicine
Presented by Dr. Sheharyar Raza MD, FRCPC Canadian Blood Services Learning objectives Understand the basics of genotyping nomenclature in the ISBT table Learn to use the new digitized ISBT BG database for clinical case interpretation Gain basic familiarity with genome browsers and navigating them
Apr 14 12:00 pm | Toronto/Virtual
Journal Club: Thromboelastography or rotational thromboelastometry guided algorithms in bleeding patients
Presented by Dr. Ali Tabatabaey MD, Physician Trainee Canadian Blood Services Learning objectives Review VET guided treatment algorithms and their impact based on appraisal of the paper. Additional Reference Material: Article 1 Article 2 Registration Click here to register Appraisal Click here for
Apr 7 12:00 pm | Toronto/Virtual
Topic: Interesting inherited and acquired bleeding cases
Presented by Dr. Shannon Jackson MD, FRCPC West Coast Hematology Learning objectives Review the approach to bleeding in acquired bleeding disorders Discuss the considerations for bleeding when patients with inherited hemophilia A or B are taking novel therapies Discuss the management of bleeding in
Apr 15 12:00 pm | Virtual
Spring serology
CSTM Virtual Education Days offer short, 2-3 hour, themed education sessions, with an opportunity to directly connect with the experts via a live Q&A. Registration This event is open to anyone - you do not need to be a CSTM member to attend. The session will be hosted via Zoom and registration is
Aug 12 2:00 pm | Virtual
Optimizing Apheresis Starting Material Collections for Stem Cell Gene Therapy Manufacturing for Patients with Genetic Hemoglobinopathies (26EL-662)
This program will provide an overview of gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia illustrating gene editing strategies. The faculty will also explore the challenges inherent in the complex logistics of preparing, mobilizing, and collecting these patients and
Apr 15 2:00 pm | Virtual
Technology for Training in the Blood Bank (AI, Simulation, etc.) (26EL-622)
This program explores how technology is transforming laboratory training and education. The faculty will review current tools such as SOP management systems, e-learning modules, simulations, and virtual programs, as well as the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also highlight
Jun 4 8:00 am | Hamilton, Ontario
CSTM 2026: Cascading Connexions
The CSTM 2026 Conference will take place June 4 to 7 in Hamilton. This conference represents a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals involved in transfusion medicine to share knowledge, to learn about the most recent advancements in Transfusion Medicine and to appreciate everyone's
May 28 12:00 pm | Virtual
Dr Pinkerton Memorial Session
Presented by TBA Registration Registration is required for this event: Webinar Registration - Zoom. To receive registration details for upcoming U of T Transfusion Medicine Rounds directly, join the U of T Transfusion Medicine mailing list via Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network (list-manage
Sep 25 9:00 am | Banff
2026 CanHaem Annual Conference and AGM: Improving Care Across the Hemoglobinopathies Spectrum
The Canadian Hemoglobinopathy Association/ L’Association canadienne d’hémoglobinopathie (CanHaem) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the care of individuals across Canada with Hemoglobinopathies. Since its birth in 2013, CanHaem has had several important milestones: the sickle cell
