Transfusion medicine

Recent Updates

Published:

Jul 13, 2020

Pre-transfusion testing ensures compatibility between the transfusion patient and the blood component(s) (red blood cells, platelets, plasma) intended for transfusion. This process includes accurate and thorough completion of the requisition, accurate patient identification, proper collection and labelling of the blood sample from the patient, laboratory testing to determine the patient’s blood group and to identify the presence of red blood cell alloantibodies, and compatibility testing. Pre-transfusion testing is complete when a compatible blood component is identified and labelled for transfusion to the intended patient. This chapter provides an overview of the pre-transfusion tests that are routinely performed.

Modified on:

Aug 14, 2020

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Surveillance report

We are pleased to present the eighth annual report describing transmissible blood-borne infection surveillance. High quality and timely surveillance is central to the safety of the blood supply. This includes monitoring of transmissible disease markers that the blood is tested for (including bacteria) and investigation of any reports of possible transfusion transmission, as well as a horizon scan for any new pathogens that may pose a risk.

Modified on:

Aug 14, 2020

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COVID-19 and transfusion medicine

This repository aims to support Canadian transfusion medicine health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be updated regularly as new information is available. In addition, the public and donors can learn more about how Canadian Blood Services is responding to COVID-19 by visiting blood.ca/covid-19.

Upcoming Events

Topic Teaching: Pregnancy with Sickle Cell Disease

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When

September 29, 2020 | 12:00PM to 1:00PM

Where

Toronto/Webinar

Presented by:

Dr. Nadine Shehata
Director, Transfusion Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital and
Medical Officer, Canadian Blood Services

Objectives:

1. Describe fetal and maternal complications in pregnancies with sickle cell disease.
2. Discuss the use of RBC transfusion during pregnancy.

Topic Teaching: Pathogen Reduction Technology Basics

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When

October 13, 2020 | 12:00PM to 1:00PM

Where

Toronto/Webinar

More details to follow.

Note: The session is a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

U of T Rounds: Lessons from recent studies of platelet transfusions: what's next?

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When

October 22, 2020 | 12:00PM to 1:00PM

Where

Toronto/Webinar

More details to follow.

Note: This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Blog

Modified on:

Sep 23, 2020

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

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.

Modified on:

Sep 14, 2020

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Transfusion Camp carries on: educating physicians about using blood wisely

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.

Modified on:

Sep 9, 2020

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Honouring Earl W. Davie (1927-2020)

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.