Research Unit: Exploring alternatives to fresh blood

Our latest Centre for Innovation ResearchUnit is a collaborative effort between Centre for Innovation adjunct scientist, Dr. Jelena Holovati, and Canadian Blood Services scientists, Dr. Donald Branch and Dr. Jason Acker.  

For patients with rare blood types, we perform cross-matching tests to match patients with donors and avoid potentially serious transfusion reactions. One such test – the monocyte monolayer assay –  has been limited in its usefulness by practical restrictions, for example, the need to obtain a fresh blood sample.

Exploring alternatives to fresh blood, the researchers developed a freezing technique to store cells isolated from blood components leftover from Canadian Blood Services' manufacturing processes.

In the assay, these cells performed as well as cells isolated from fresh blood. Using cells sourced from a product usually discarded during blood component manufacturing increases the usefulness of this assay, making it easier to get the right blood product to the right patient.

To learn more, read our ResearchUnit about this important work here.

ResearchUnits provide clear summaries of the results and impacts of research conducted at Canadian Blood Services. Written by Canadian Blood Services researchers in collaboration with the knowledge mobilization team, these summaries help disseminate research findings to facilitate informed decision-making.

Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact. 

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.