Dr. Geraldine Walsh is a scientific writer with the Canadian Blood Services’ Centre for Innovation. A PhD scientist with a passion for communication, Geraldine supports Canadian Blood Services’ research and development scientists with writing, editing and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Geraldine was captivated by the fascinating topic of blood during her graduate studies at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (in Dublin, her hometown). During her PhD, she studied blood platelets, the little cell fragments that maintain the delicate balance between clotting and bleeding in our bodies. Today, her role as scientific writer allows her to combine a love of science with a love of writing and a real dedication to quality science communication.
Part 4: Lots to celebrate as ISBT comes to Toronto: Transfusion Medicine Education
Monday, July 23, 2018
At the 35 th Congress of the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT), members of our network gathered to share their knowledge and exciting new educational resources.
Part 3: Lots to celebrate at ISBT: Research
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Once Local Day wrapped up, the 35th Congress of the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT) got into full swing. What followed was four days of the latest in transfusion medicine and science, delivered in a jam-packed schedule of concurrent sessions. ISBT 2018 addressed topics across the transfusion spectrum, from donor recruitment and retention, donor health, the biology of blood cells, blood components, transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases, immunohaematology, patient blood management, adverse transfusion events, cellular therapies, and much more. Sharing knowledge on the
Part 2: Lots to celebrate as ISBT comes to Toronto: Local Day
Thursday, July 05, 2018
Held in Toronto, the 35 th Congress of the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT) kicked off with a “Local Day” on Saturday June 2 nd. Organized by the Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine, and chaired by Dr. Katerina Pavenski, Local Day focused on Canadian advances in transfusion medicine over the years: past, present, and future. As 2018 marks the 20-year anniversary of the founding of Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, the program was designed to reflect on the past and look to the future. The day began with the Annual General Meeting of CSTM, followed by the Ortho
Lots to celebrate as ISBT comes to Toronto
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Earlier this month, the international community of transfusion medicine and science professionals converged on Toronto, Ontario, for the 35th Congress of the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT). Held every other year at different locations around the globe, the ISBT congress is one of the main knowledge sharing and networking events in the field of transfusion. This year was the first time since 2002 that the ISBT congress was held in Canada. Canadian Blood Services was there in force, to showcase Canadian contributions to the field, exchange ideas, share knowledge, and build
Looking back to look forward: Bethune’s legacy of innovation celebrated at the 2018 Norman Bethune Symposium
Thursday, May 17, 2018
On April 10th, 2018, the Centre for Blood Research presented its 8th Annual Norman Bethune Symposium. This event honours Canadian physician, Dr. Norman Bethune, who in the 1930s spearheaded the implementation of the earliest practical mobile blood collection and distribution systems. During his introductory remarks, Dr. Ed Conway, director of the Centre for Blood Research, and a Canadian Blood Services’ adjunct scientist, reminded the audience that this event takes advantage of some fascinating Canadian medical history. Dr. (Henry) Norman Bethune was born in Gravenhurst, Ontario in 1890
Meet the Researcher: Dr. Edward M. Conway
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
This week, we catch up with Dr. Ed Conway, the director of the Centre for Blood Research at the University of British Columbia and a Canadian Blood Services adjunct scientist.
Meet the Researcher: Dr. John Blake
Monday, January 22, 2018
For the latest instalment of “Meet the researcher” we chatted with Dr. John Blake, Canadian Blood Services’ research engineer and also known as “the numbers guy”.
Earl W. Davie Symposium - Eleven years and counting
Wednesday, December 06, 2017
Drs. Earl W. Davie, Ross T. MacGillivray and Edmond H. Fischer at the 2017 Earl W. Davie Symposium Vancouver. Read all about this years event and find out more about the inspiration behind it.
Through the Microscope: monocyte monolayer assays
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
The images in this "through the microscope" are from recent work done to determine the best conditions to successfully perform the monocyte monolayer assay—a laboratory-based test that predicts the severity of adverse reactions to blood products. " Mastering the monocyte monolayer assay" is a new ResearchUnit that summarizes the study. Through the microscope From its first description in the 1980s, the monocyte monolayer assay has been modified and optimized. When performed correctly, the level of phagocytosis (ingestion) of red blood cells in the monocyte monolayer assay can help predict the
Searching for safer red blood cell bags for pediatric recipients
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
This post is based on a ResearchUnit originally gathered in April 2016. ResearchUnits summarize recent scientific publications. They are produced and distributed by Canadian Blood Services’ Centre for Innovation. There are public health concerns around the use of DEHP in blood bags, particularly for pediatric patients. This study shows a less toxic compound called DINCH may be a viable alternative. From bottles to plastic… Over 50 years ago, plastic replaced glass as the container of choice for collection and storage of blood and blood products. This greatly improved the safety of blood for