We are pleased to advise that 100% of red cells supplied by ARCBS nationally are now pre-storage leucodepleted.
Bedside leucodepletion filters will no longer be required. However, all blood components will still require administration via a standard blood giving set containing a 170-200µm aggregate filter. Further information regarding this initiative and how it affects bedside practice is explained in Leucodepletion FAQs listed under red cells on our Manual site.
On 8 December 2008, ARCBS will commence national testing of selected Group O apheresis platelets for high titre anti-A and anti-B.
Components which are found to have low titres of anti-A and anti-B will have the words “Low Anti-A/B” printed on the component label below the component name and barcode. These components can preferentially be considered for use in circumstances where ABO identical components are unavailable.
CSL Bioplasma has advised that Biostate® has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in the treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with von Willebrand disease, effective as of 27 August 2008.
Following the April meeting of the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference (AHMC), Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) is pleased to announce the timetable for implementation of 100% leucodepletion of red cells has been agreed.... Read more
CSL Bioplasma has recently conducted a full packaging review to ensure the carton, label, flip-off cap, and foil crimp of all plasma-derived therapeutics are optimally designed to support correct and simple use.... Read more
ARCBS updates its popular transfusion web site for health professionals.... Read more
From 28 April 2008, all ARCBS platelet components will be screened for bacterial contamination. Worldwide, bacterial contamination of platelets is recognised as the most significant residual infectious risk of transfusion in developed countries. As a cause of death from transfusion, bacterial sepsis is second only to ABO incompatibility. ... Read more
The Criteria for the Clinical Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) in Australia (the Criteria) has been developed to assist clinicians and transfusion medicine professionals to identify the conditions and circumstances for which the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is appropriate and funded under the National Blood Agreement. ... Read more