NEWS & NOTES

Circular of Information Update

Many of our partners have inquired about the status of the AABB’s new Circular of Information (COI). The last version of the COI was released in July 2002, nearly 6 years ago. According to Dr. Kevin Land, Bonfils’ chief medical and scientific officer and member of the AABB COI task force, the COI was completely revamped by the task force to include new ISBT terminology, update references and address ongoing standard of practice changes.  The task force submitted the COI to the FDA in the 3^rd quarter of 2007.  The task force already replied to a few rounds of questions from the FDA. Bonfils will notify clients when the revised AABB COI is approved for distribution.

Massive Transfusion in Trauma

Last month Bonfils distributed the Blood Bulletin (Vol. 9, No. 2, February 2008) featuring Massive Transfusion in Trauma - a two-page synopsis of some issues surrounding the pathophysiology of trauma and some potential complications of massive transfusion. Despite major advances in many aspects of transfusion therapy, much still needs to be learned about optimal massive transfusion support. Fortunately, several researchers in the Greater Denver area are very interested in these topics. In fact, Dr. Ernest Gene Moore, chief of surgery and trauma services for Denver Health Medical Center recently lead-authored the New England Journal of Medicine article, "Military-Civilian Collaboration in Trauma Care and the Senior Visiting Surgeons Program."  Such collaborations help improve care for soldiers and civilians alike and are trying to answer questions such as "What is the optimal ratio of plasma to red cells to be given early in a trauma?" and "How best to stage surgeries following massive trauma to optimize patient outcome?" Thanks to the work of physicians like Dr. Moore, these questions and many more will be answered using evidence-based medicine and multi-disciplinary collaborations. If you would like a copy of the most recent Blood Bulletin, please contact Bonfils’ Client Development department at 303.361.3105 or email Bill_Plachetzki@bonfils.org. 

Chagas Screening Results

On Jan. 7, Bonfils’ Donor Testing Laboratory began testing all Bonfils’ samples and performing selective testing for our local hospital clients. In the first two complete months of testing, 34,533 samples were screened with three of these samples testing repeat reactive for the Chagas screening. All three samples were sent to confirmatory laboratory for supplemental testing. Results were negative for the three samples.

Bonfils Blood Center’s Certificates and Forms

For quick and easy access to frequently used forms and important industry certificates go to ww.bonfils.org/advancing_healthcare/certificates_and_forms.cfm where you’ll find links to such documents as the Transfusion Reaction Investigation Form, the Transfusion Services Request Form and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certificate.

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