News and Announcements
The American Red Cross began producing Cold-Stored Platelets in March 2024
In June 2023, the FDA issued a final guidance allowing blood establishments to manufacture and distribute cold-stored platelets (CSPs). Due to their extended shelf-life, the use of CSP, intended for the treatment of active bleeding when conventional platelets are not available, or their use is not practical, increased under FDA variances during national inventory shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Platelets placed into cold storage shortly after collection have lower metabolic activity, which lengthens their in-storage lifespan compared to conventional platelets stored at room temperature and inhibits growth of potential contaminating bacteria.
A new way to learn about reimbursement will be launching soon
The Red Cross is excited to announce that a new learning series focused on reimbursement will be launching soon. This series will provide in-depth insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of reimbursement processes effectively. Designed with the needs of healthcare professionals in mind, it promises to be an invaluable resource for optimizing your hospital's reimbursement practices. Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate in this educational opportunity. In the meantime, check out our other courses through our continuing education platform, SUCCESS®.
Events
Therapeutic Phlebotomy vs. RBC Depletion on Automated Apheresis Devices
Date: July 9
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
New Product Update: Cold-Stored Platelets and IFC
Date: July 11
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Group O Red Cell Awareness and Utilization
Date: July 18
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Media Messaging Toolkit
The American Red Cross welcomes participation of our hospital partners in the recruitment of blood donors, especially in times of critical shortages. For your convenience, we have made available prepared messaging and graphics that can be used to promote the need for blood donations.
Blood Supply Messaging Resource Guide
Inform and engage your staff and community about the need for refueling the blood supply through blood and platelet donations.
Blood Saves Lives: Helping People with Sickle Cell Disease
Inform and engage your staff and community about the need for diverse donors to help patients battling sickle cell disease.
PLUS Online
An Educational Resource for Transfusion Medicine
Does Pathogen Reduction Impair Platelet Function In Actively Bleeding Patients?
The initial FDA approval for pathogen-reduced (PR) platelets was supported by data from the SPRINT trial1,2 showing PR platelets to be noninferior to control platelets with respect to the incidence of bleeding after transfusion to thrombocytopenic patients; only about 16% of whom had clinically significant bleeding on study entry. Are PR platelets as effective as […]
Continue ReadingMulti-institution study of group O blood usage in the pediatric population between 2015 and 2019
Introduction Information and guidance for transfusion of pediatric and neonatal patients remained unchanged between the 2019 and 2025 versions of the AABB Association Bulletin “Recommendations on the Use of Group O Red Blood Cells.”1,2 The bulletin acknowledged the ease of using group O red blood cells (RBCs) for neonates since one RBC unit could provide […]
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