Canadian Blood Services is looking forward to connecting with members of the transfusion community at CSTM 2025, happening this May in St. John's, Newfoundland! In lead-up to the event, we invited members of our research and education network to submit blogs previewing their contributions to CSTM 2025.

Despite the critical and increasing demand for platelets within the health-care system, they remain the most commonly discarded blood component in Canada. Improper storage outside of the hospital blood bank is the main reason that platelets get discarded before they’ve reached the end of their 7-day shelf life. A team from University of Toronto QUEST research program tested a storage bag specially designed to address the problem of platelet discards.