News and Announcements
Announcing the Launch of Empower Group O Care
The Red Cross is thrilled to introduce Empower Group O Care, an innovative initiative set to tackle one of the most pressing issues in transfusion medicine today – ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of O negative Red Blood Cells. As an industry leader with extensive expertise in transfusion medicine, we are championing responsible stewardship practices of both O negative and O positive blood through ongoing educational events and supportive hospital resources, including toolkits and reference documents.
Empower Group O Care underscores our collective obligation to act now to ensure life-saving blood products are consistently available to those who need them most. Join us as we work together to better steward this vital blood supply and support improved patient outcomes.
Events
Adverse Reaction to Transfusion: Laboratory Investigation (Part 1)
Date: April 21
Adverse Reaction to Transfusion: Laboratory Investigation (Part 2)
Date: April 22
Foundations of IgA Deficiency
Date: April 23
Laboratory Services Case Studies: IRL Case - Specialized Testing Case
- HLA Case
Date: April 24
Media Messaging Toolkit
The American Red Cross welcomes participation of our hospital partners in the recruitment of blood donors, especially in times of critical shortages. For your convenience, we have made available prepared messaging and graphics that can be used to promote the need for blood donations.
Blood Supply Messaging Resource Guide
Inform and engage your staff and community about the need for refueling the blood supply through blood and platelet donations.
Blood Saves Lives: Helping People with Sickle Cell Disease
Inform and engage your staff and community about the need for diverse donors to help patients battling sickle cell disease.
PLUS Online
An Educational Resource for Transfusion Medicine
AABB/ICTMG International Platelet Transfusion Guidelines
The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) and the International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines (ICTMG) recently published an international clinical practice guideline on the use of platelet transfusions.1 Platelet transfusion is a common procedure with approximately 2.2 million performed annually in the United States.2 The guideline notes that the decision […]
The post AABB/ICTMG International Platelet Transfusion Guidelines appeared first on Red Cross Plus Online Blog.
Continue ReadingAlternatives to DEHP as plasticizers in blood bags
For nearly 70 years, blood product collection and storage bags for whole blood and red blood cell (RBC) storage have been manufactured with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) to increase flexibility. Because of potential toxicity, alternative plasticizers are being implemented. The Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative recently reviewed actions to this end and made recommendations […]
The post Alternatives to DEHP as plasticizers in blood bags appeared first on Red Cross Plus Online Blog.
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