News and Announcements
![Two bags of Cold Storage Platelets laying on a metal tray.](/content/dam/redcrossblood/news-and-announcements/6W3A3781-Cold-Storage-Platelets-1000x667.jpg)
The American Red Cross began producing Cold-Stored Platelets in March 2024
In June 2023, the FDA issued a final guidance allowing blood establishments to manufacture and distribute cold-stored platelets (CSPs). Due to their extended shelf-life, the use of CSP, intended for the treatment of active bleeding when conventional platelets are not available, or their use is not practical, increased under FDA variances during national inventory shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Platelets placed into cold storage shortly after collection have lower metabolic activity, which lengthens their in-storage lifespan compared to conventional platelets stored at room temperature and inhibits growth of potential contaminating bacteria.
![Person with pen in hand working on paperwork.](/content/dam/redcrossblood/news-and-announcements/Reimbursement-800x532.jpg)
A new way to learn about reimbursement will be launching soon
The Red Cross is excited to announce that a new learning series focused on reimbursement will be launching soon. This series will provide in-depth insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of reimbursement processes effectively. Designed with the needs of healthcare professionals in mind, it promises to be an invaluable resource for optimizing your hospital's reimbursement practices. Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate in this educational opportunity. In the meantime, check out our other courses through our continuing education platform, SUCCESS®.
Events
Therapeutic Phlebotomy vs. RBC Depletion on Automated Apheresis Devices
Date: July 9
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
New Product Update: Cold-Stored Platelets and IFC
Date: July 11
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Group O Red Cell Awareness and Utilization
Date: July 18
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Media Messaging Toolkit
The American Red Cross welcomes participation of our hospital partners in the recruitment of blood donors, especially in times of critical shortages. For your convenience, we have made available prepared messaging and graphics that can be used to promote the need for blood donations.
PLUS Online
An Educational Resource for Transfusion Medicine
The Future of Blood Donation
Why does the American Red Cross frequently ask for blood donations?1 The facts are that at any moment countless patients depend on life-saving blood products which must be continuously replenished by donors. This dynamic balance of supply and demand must be approached with thoughtful analysis of the past as today’s blood establishments plan for the […]
Continue ReadingWhen Less is More
Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in the United States among persons aged 1-44 years;”1” and trauma is an important driver of evidence-based medicine to reverse the lethal triad of hypocoagulation, hypothermia, and acidosis resulting from massive hemorrhage.”2“Many US adult trauma centers and some pediatric centers have adopted the use of low titer […]
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