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

In the e_rly d_ys of tr_nsfusi_n medicine, d_ct_rs g_ve p_tients _ll s_rts _f different fluids, including _l__d _r milk fr_m _nim_ls. Success v_ried, _nd the results were _ften dis_str_us—even when they used hum_n _l__d.

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

For this instalment of "meet the researcher" we caught up with Dr. William Sheffield a senior scientist with Canadian Blood Services' Centre for Innovation. How long have you been with Canadian Blood Services? I’ve been with Canadian Blood Services since before it existed! I joined our predecessor organization, the Canadian Red Cross Society, as a postdoctoral fellow, training with the legendary Dr. Mo Blajchman, in 1989, and never left. What’s your role? I’m a senior scientist within the Centre for Innovation with an active research program. I also have an administrative role as associate

“It’s a Canadian tradition to push blood as far forward as possible in the safest possible way.” There’s a long, rich history of military blood transfusion and Canadians have been at the front and centre of this field since WWI. Getting blood where it’s most needed is a challenge at the best of times, but getting it to soldiers injured in combat is an extraordinary feat. The Canadian Forces Health Services (Defence Research Development Canada) in collaboration with Canadian Blood Services have conducted some exciting research over the past decade. Their work is aimed at pushing blood as far

The 2016 Transfusion Science Education Course – a Canadian Blood Services, Grifols partnership.

While blood transfusion is safer now than ever before, scientists continue to look for ways to reduce risk and ensure the healthiest possible outcomes for patients. A unique collaboration between Canadian Blood Services, The Ottawa Hospital and Université Laval has led to some interesting and somewhat unexpected findings that open the door to new areas of research in transfusion medicine. Press release: Researchers find unexpected association between younger donor age, female sex and transfusion outcomes Although the blood collection and red blood cell preparation processes are standardized

Dr. Sheila O’Brien knows the answer. She is the associate director, epidemiology and surveillance, working at Canadian Blood Services head office in Ottawa. Understanding and minimizing the infectious risks associated with blood transfusion is what she does each and every day.

It's National Blood Donor Week and we're celebrating blood donors from across the country who make a lifesaving difference to patients in need. Each of us has the right blood type to give life: ABOAB. This acronym refers to four blood groups — A, B, AB, and O. Blood type is one way we are all connected and today's post digs into the science and history behind ABO. By Amanda Maxwell In the early days of transfusion medicine, doctors gave patients all sorts of different fluids, including blood or milk from animals. Success varied, and the results were often disastrous—even when they used human

Mice are small, easy to handle and available as consistently bred individuals with little genetic variation – this makes them ideal for research. Furthermore, they share between 70 per cent and 90 per cent genetic make up, undergo many of the same life events that humans do, possess a similar anatomy (OK – mouse-shaped) and show similar physiology to us. A mouse offers a whole living organism in which to investigate disease, response to treatment, development of cancer and other basic research.