Demand and usage of unrelated donor products for allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry analysis.

Background And Objectives: Understanding changes in the demand and usage of unrelated allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) donors during the COVID-19 pandemic is needed to optimize pandemic preparedness of registry and donor collection services. The aim of this study was to understand the extent to which the pandemic has impacted the demand and usage of unrelated donors and cord blood units (CBUs) at Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

Materials And Methods: Data regarding stem cell donor interest and product usage for unrelated allogeneic HCT were retrieved from the database at CBS using de-identified anonymous information.

Development and evaluation of checklists to support the recruitment of committed hematopoietic stem cell donors.

Background: Checklists are memory recall tools used across healthcare to improve outcomes. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of checklists to support recruitment of committed allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donors.

Study Design And Methods: Checklists were developed with the following objectives: (1) improve best-practice adherence; (2) reduce errors; and (3) support standardization at stem cell drives.

Factors associated with registrant availability for unrelated adult donor hematopoietic stem cell donation: Analysis of the stem cell registry at Canadian Blood Services.

Background: Greater use of unrelated donors to support hematopoietic cell transplantation can be hampered by unavailability of registrants when identified as potential candidates for donation.

Methods: Multivariate analysis was performed to identify donor factors associated with availability for verification of human leukocyte antigen typing (VT) needed before donor activation. All VT requests for registrants on the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry between 1 January and 31 December 2018 were reviewed (n = 1358).

Development and evaluation of stem cell collection procedure diagrams to support the education and recruitment of committed stem cell donors.

Background: Diagrams which allow potential unrelated stem cell donors to visualize the stem cell collection process were hypothesized to support the recruitment and education of committed stem cell donors.

Study Design And Methods: A series of bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell collection procedure diagrams were developed, featuring young adult male donors of varied ethnic backgrounds. Post-implementation, surveys were conducted to evaluate stakeholder perspective on the diagrams' utility.

Improved access to better HLA-matched hematopoietic cells for allogeneic transplant: analysis of donors and cord blood units selected for Canadian patients in 2018.

Background: Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) often require use of an unrelated donor or cord blood unit (CBU). An understanding of evolving practices in graft selection is needed for optimization of donor recruitment and cord blood collection.

Study Design And Methods: Each donor workup (WU) requested in 2018 involving a Canadian (CDN) patient and unique donor product or CBU was reviewed (n = 598).

Effect of Donor Age and Donor Relatedness on Time to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Acute Leukemia.

Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for acute leukemia can be reduced when pursued early after first complete remission. The impact of donor age and donor relatedness on the time from diagnosis to transplant in patients with acute leukemia was examined to clarify the design of future prospective studies that can address optimal donor choice. Files of 100 consecutive patients undergoing transplantation for leukemia were reviewed.

Unrelated donor choices for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in Canada: an evaluation of factors influencing donor selection.

Background: Utilization of unrelated donors and cord blood units (CBUs) for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation continues to increase. Understanding the practices of donor selection by transplant centers is critical for unrelated donor registries and cord blood banks to optimize registry composition and inventory to meet patient need.

Study Design And Methods: Unrelated donor and CBU selection practices of Canadian transplant centers served by Canadian Blood Services' OneMatch Stem Cell & Marrow Network (OM) were reviewed, including HLA match level, locus of disparity, age, sex, and product choice (donor vs.

Risk of Exposure to Zika Virus and Impact on Cord Blood Banking and Adult Unrelated Donors in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: The Canadian Blood Services Experience.

Zika virus has emerged as a potential threat to the Canadian blood supply system. Stem cell donors within Canadian Blood Services' Cord Blood Bank (CBB) and OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network (OM) now undergo screening measures designed to reduce the risk of Zika virus transmission. The impact these screening measures have on cord blood and unrelated adult stem cell donations is currently unknown.

Cryopreservation of adult unrelated donor products in hematopoietic cell transplantation: the OneMatch experience and systematic review of the literature.

Background: The frequency of cryopreserving blood stem or progenitor products from unrelated donors is not known and the underlying reasons are poorly documented. Greater insight is needed to develop policies on cryopreservation that balance donor safety with patient needs.

Study Design And Methods: Cryopreservation requests between January 1, 2014, and May 31, 2016, at the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network at Canadian Blood Services were reviewed and a systematic review of the literature was performed.