Recent Updates

BloodTechNet educational resources

Modified on: 
Oct 25, 2018

The BloodTechNet program was launched in 2011 to facilitate the development of innovative educational resources that support the Transfusion, Cellular Therapy and Transplantation communities in Canada. The program is led by Canadian Blood Services’ Centre for Innovation with financial support from Grifols. For information about the next BloodTechNet program competition, visit blood.ca research funding programs.

Transfusion
Organs and Tissues
Stem Cells

The importance of iron for whole blood donors: a Canadian perspective

Modified on: 
Oct 25, 2018

By generously providing blood that can be manufactured into red blood cells, platelets and plasma products, whole blood donors are essential to the blood system and the patients it serves. Canadian Blood Services is committed to maintaining a safe and secure blood supply while also protecting the health of our blood donors. The focus of this article is the effect of red blood cell loss on the iron levels of the donor and the steps taken by Canadian Blood Services to protect the health of its donors.

Transfusion

Anti-M

Modified on: 
Oct 24, 2018

Authors: Gwen Clarke, MD, FRCPC; Jacqueline Côté, MLT; and Debra Lane, MD, FRCPC
Publication date: August 2017, updated September 2018

Background

Anti-M is an antibody directed to an antigen of the MNS blood group system. The M antigen is located on the red blood cell surface glycoprotein known as glycophorin A.

Transfusion

Platelet utilization and inventory management best practices

Modified on: 
Oct 17, 2018

The short storage period for platelet units results in very challenging inventory management, and many platelet units are discarded.

Transfusion

Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) Program

Modified on: 
Oct 4, 2018

Two new patient and public education and awareness brochures are now available! View or download What is Living Kidney Paired Donation and Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) Program. 

Organs and Tissues

Other links

Modified on: 
Sep 18, 2018

Alberta Blood Office

America's Blood Centres (ABC)

American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)

American Society for Apheresis (ASFA)

Transfusion

Reference standards

Modified on: 
Sep 18, 2018

BCSH (British Committee for Standards in Haematology) Guidelines
Blood Transfusion Current Guidelines

Circular of Information
Ottawa: Canadian Blood Services

CSA (CSA Group) CAN/CSA-Z902-15 - Blood and blood components
CSA Group, 2015​​

Transfusion

Blood bag spiking procedure

Modified on: 
Sep 14, 2018

Health care professionals in Canadian hospitals may require guidance with the procedure for spiking blood bags. We offer relevant training resources to help with this procedure.

A six-minute video showing the spiking technique for blood component bags. The video was produced and hosted by the B.C. Provincial Blood Coordinating Office (BCPBCO).

Transfusion

Alternative methods of blood donor skin disinfection

Modified on: 
Sep 5, 2018

Authors: Sandra Ramirez-Arcos, PhD, Mariam Taha, PhD, Yuntong Kou, MSc, and Mindy Goldman, MD, FRCPC
Online publication date: February 2017

Transfusion

Platelet product quality remains high after seven days of storage

Modified on: 
Sep 5, 2018

In August 2017, Canadian Blood Services changed its platelet product testing procedure to improve the detection of bacterial contamination. This change enhanced the safety of Canadian Blood Services platelet products and provided the opportunity to improve inventory management by extending the platelet shelf life from five to seven days.

Transfusion

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