How do we achieve blinding in modern electronic and paper medical records during the conduct of transfusion trials?

Background: Regulatory aspects of transfusion medicine add complexity in blinded transfusion trials when considering various electronic record keeping software and blood administration processes. The aim of this study is to explore strategies when blinding transfusion components and products in paper and electronic medical records.

Methods: Surveys were collected and interviews were conducted for 18 sites across various jurisdictions in North America to determine solutions applied in previous transfusion randomized control trials.

A descriptive analysis of the Canadian prehospital and transport transfusion (CAN-PATT) network.

Objective: Out-of-hospital blood transfusion (OHBT) is becoming increasingly common across the prehospital environment, yet there is significant variability in OHBT practices. The Canadian Prehospital and Transport Transfusion (CAN-PATT) network was established to collaborate, standardize, and evaluate the effectiveness of out-of-hospital blood transfusion (OHBT) across Canada. The objectives of this study are to describe the setting and organizational characteristics of CAN-PATT member organizations and to provide a cross-sectional examination of the current OHBT practices of CAN-PATT organizations.

Babesia microti in a Canadian blood donor and lookback in a red blood cell recipient.

Background And Objectives: We describe the third documented case of autochthonous human babesiosis in Canada and the second in a Canadian blood donor.

Materials And Methods: Multiple laboratory investigations were carried out on the donor and the immunocompromised recipient of an associated, potentially infectious red blood cell product.

Results: The donor had not travelled except for outdoor exposure in south-eastern Manitoba, followed by illness and hospital admission.