On Nov. 13, 2019, the Centre for Blood Research hosted the 13th annual Earl W. Davie Symposium in Vancouver, BC. This symposium brings together world-class researchers, eager trainees, and a giant in the world of blood coagulation – Dr. Earl W. Davie himself.

When a patient has unexpected red blood cell antibodies (non-ABO) in their blood, selecting compatible red blood cell donor units for transfusion is critical. New serological best practices for health-care providers, available on Canadian Blood Service’s professional education website, help ensure patients receive red blood cell units that are the best match for them.

The Canadian Blood Services Centre for Innovation has been doing research to develop a “new” product for transfusion that some might find surprising: whole blood! Yes, the fluid that is originally drawn from a donor. To learn why, we need to delve into the history of blood transfusion and innovation over the past century.