In the United States, ∼14 million units of whole blood (WB) are collected each year from ∼7 million donors. The blood is processed into blood components (RBCs, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate) and used in the treatment of surgical, obstetric, medical,…
Physicians play a central role in blood centers with direct and indirect responsibilities. The physician’s role actively participates in the blood center activities, including collection, manufacturing, storage, and distribution of biologics (cellular therapies and blood components), and, in some cases,…
Transfusion medicine is a highly regulated industry, and regulatory oversight has and continues to be a major factor in most aspects of operations. Although in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary regulator, a number…
Quality, as defined in the field of blood banking and transfusion medicine, has evolved from a focus on retrospective auditing and review of sampling and testing. This evolution began with a focus on compliance and meeting minimal regulations, standards, and…
A safe and reliable blood supply is critical to the function of complex healthcare systems worldwide. Blood transfusion is one of the most common therapeutic medical practices. The field of transfusion medicine (blood banking and transfusion services) has expanded to…
A happy birth to 150 million infants born this year. May those who rule provide the simple gifts of peace: shelter,food and water, education and health. But alas, though many millions are born, most are birthed alone with no one…
If we listen closely, children who are dying, and their families, will tell us everything we need to know to care for them: they want to be loved, to be cared for and cared about, to know that their lives…
Every obstacle I have overcome Has made me stronger in some way And to get the best out of life I must live it day by day. So this bump I've now stumbled upon Is no different from the rest…
Open full size image Vrksasana Magnificent tree reaching upward toward the sky grounding me Miraculous breath flowing throughout my body sustaining me Mind, body, spirit seeking balance and wholeness strengthening me —Robyn Petras With permission from “The Breathing Room: The…
My daughter has had heart surgery five times. Now the only option is a transplant. She was at home for a while, but now she is in the hospital with a ventricular assist device. She feels better, but being in…