News
Chagas testing updates on TMca
In May 2010, Canadian Blood Services began selective Chagas disease antibody testing for donors
who are at-risk of infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the cause of Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis). Vein to Vein has been updated to reflect these changes. For more information see:
- Chagas Disease; Applying Donor Screening in a Canadian Setting
- Customer Letter
- Notice to Family Physicians
Photo: Reduvid Bug – aka ‘Kissing Bug’—potential vectors of the Chagas disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi
MLT learning survey released today
The MLT Learning Network has released its report of the survey of Canadian Medical Laboratory Technologists conducted last year.
The report relates MLTs’ perceptions, experiences, and expectations of continuing education in Transfusion Science. It will be of interest to those who want to support transfusion learning in practice. It is available in English only.
The MLT Learning Network is jointly administered by Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec. It’s goal is to support continuing education of transfusion medical laboratory technologists and facilitate exchange of expertise among peers. For more information, visit www.bloodtechnet.ca/about/.
CSTM 2010 Conference
When: May 13 – 16, 2010
Where: Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
Theme: Balancing Science & Life
For more information about registration, programs and workshops, abstract submission and social events, visit the Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine conference website. Registration | Program
New guidelines for immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG)
Two new evidence-based practice guidelines were recently published in Transfusion Medicine Reviews, Volume 24, Supplement 1 (January 2010). We are providing hospitals with a copy of the
publication to support appropriate utilisation of IVIG in your institution. We encourage you to bring these guidelines to the attention of your transfusion committee. Contact your regional Canadian Blood Services Hospital Liaison Specialist if you wish to receive additional copies.
Photo: Transfusion Medicine Reviews Volume 24, Supplement 1 (January 2010)
Guidelines for the Use of IVIG for Primary Immune Deficiency and Solid Organ Transplantation
Edited by Susan Nahirniak and Heather Hume