The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Unrelated Allogeneic Hematopoietic Donor Collections and Safety.

Background And Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly influenced unrelated donor (UD) allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collections. Changes included efforts to minimize COVID-19 exposure to donors and cryopreservation of products. The extent to which the efficacy and safety of PBSC donations were affected by the pandemic is unknown.

A Portrait of Cord Blood Units Distributed for Transplantation from Canadian Blood Services' Cord Blood Bank: First Analysis.

Background: The Canadian Blood Services Cord Blood Bank (CBS CBB) was created to improve access to stem cell products for transplantation for patients across ethnic groups. An analysis of distributed units is needed to assess the effectiveness of the bank to meet the needs of patients from different ethnic groups.

Methods: A descriptive analysis was performed on all cord blood units distributed from the CBS' CBB as of 30 June 2022.

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.

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).

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).

Obstetrical and neonatal factors associated with optimal public banking of umbilical cord blood in the context of delayed cord clamping.

Purpose: To assess the association of specific newborn and maternal factors with indicators of increased blood-forming capacity in umbilical cord blood to inform strategic collection strategies that could augment the quality of units in public cord blood banks.

Methods: Data regarding 268 consecutive cord blood units (CBUs) banked by Canadian Blood Services were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with markers of hematopoietic potency and likelihood of utilization.

Reducing ethnic disparity in access to high-quality HLA-matched cord blood units for transplantation: analysis of the Canadian Blood Services' Cord Blood Bank inventory.

Background: Launched in 2013, Canadian Blood Services' Cord Blood Bank (CBS' CBB) has built a high-quality, ethnically diverse cord blood repository that aims to reduce ethnic disparity in accessing suitable units for transplantation.

Methods And Results: As of December 2016, 2000 units have been banked. The self-reported maternal ethnicity was 58% non-Caucasian.

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.