A Year Of Challenge And Reward For Canadian Blood Services

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 08 Sep 2008 - 15:00 PDT

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The 2007/2008 fiscal year held both challenges and rewards for Canadian Blood Services, according to the organization's ninth Annual Report to Canadians, titled 'Transforming the Blood System.'

"Change is never easy, but for Canadian Blood Services, it has been rewarding," states the report, tabled September 4, at the Annual Meeting of Members in Quebec City. "This year we faced a number of challenges while also delivering on a number of strategic directives."

In 2007/2008, 70 donors tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV)-more than in all previous testing years combined. Management systems developed over the past few years protected the blood supply safe from WNV contamination. As well, a number of challenges impeded the ongoing implementation of the 'Buffy Coat' platelet production method. The organization has nonetheless been able to use this method to ensure that 100 per cent of whole blood-derived platelets provided to hospitals is tested for bacterial contamination.

Canadian Blood Services also took steps to reduce the risk of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI); deployed new equipment to make the collection of platelets faster, more efficient and more comfortable for donors; re-branded and increased awareness of the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, resulting in a 12.5 per cent increase in donor registrations; and adopted a new malaria-deferral policy that is expected to save the organization $3 million annually.

The future is looking even brighter, the report states, with Canadian Blood Services assuming a new mandate to provide national leadership for organ and tissue donation and transplantation and preparing to implement a 10-year facilities redevelopment project designed to further improve operational efficiency.

About Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. Canadian Blood Services also oversees the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, and provides national leadership for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Canadian Blood Services operates 40 permanent collection sites and more than 19,000 donor clinics annually. The provincial and territorial Ministries of Health provide operational funding to Canadian Blood Services. The federal government, through Health Canada, is responsible for regulating the blood system.

Canadian Blood Services

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