Assessing the impact of donor manufacturing characteristics on survival of transfused red blood cells

Each unit of red blood cells is unique and different from all other units as they come from individual donors with unique characteristics. Different manufacturing processes also contribute to the differences among red cell units. Laboratory studies clearly demonstrate differences among red cell units due to these factors but the clinical impact of these differences in transfused patients is unknown. Some studies have suggested that donor sex or different manufacturing methods can result in increased mortality in transfused patients. In this study, we will examine the effect of different donor characteristics and manufacturing processes on the change in hemoglobin levels after a patient receives a single unit of red cells. We will link donor data and manufacturing records obtained from Canadian Blood Services with patient data from the Ottawa Hospital for over 35,000 transfusions from 2106 to 2019. By analyzing this data, we will be able to determine which donor and manufacturing factors lead to better transfusion outcomes. This information will help optimize transfusion practice and reduce blood use. Finally understanding the factors that are most important for an individual unique patient is also a first step toward personalized transfusion medicine.

TINMOUTH, Alan

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Intramural Research Grant Program

Ontario

$90,935