Exploratory analyses to determine if method of donor blood processing affects outcome in transfused recipients

Blood transfusions are one of the most commonly used treatments in medicine with over 90 million transfusions given each year world-wide. Although the blood supply in Canada and other developed countries is extremely safe and rarely results in transmission of infectious agents, adverse events can still occur. Recent research suggested that the method of processing a whole blood donation may affect the quality of the product which could have an impact on outcomes in transfused patients. The investigators in this study have created a linked database containing information on transfused patients, blood products transfused, the method of processing blood and blood donor demographics. Using this database we will explore the relationship between manufacturing method and in-hospital mortality in transfused patients. The results of this study will add to our knowledge of how blood product factors relate to patient survival and could provide useful information to inform policy and implement blood processing changes to make transfusion safer.

HEDDLE, Nancy

McMaster University

Canadian Blood Services-CIHR Partnership Operating Grant Program

Ontario

$159,878