Transfusion medicine

We are pleased to present this annual report (2024) 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.

Apheresis frozen plasma, psoralen-treated is a pathogen-reduced human plasma for transfusion available in Canada beginning September 2025. The component is pathogen reduced using psoralen treatment (INTERCEPT) technology. This publication is a brief guide to apheresis frozen plasma, psoralen-treated, describing the manufacturing, characteristics, clinical use, and alternatives to this component.

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).