Blood Bank Guy Essentials Podcast
Current Episode:
093CE: The Mighty MMA! with Sandy Nance
CE episode! When red cell alloantibodies are unpredictable, the monocyte monolayer assay can clear things right up! Sandy Nance explains this very useful test. Listen to the Current Episode!
Prefer to see the episodes listed by topic? Click here!
Previous Episodes:
Oct20216
092: When Platelet Transfusion Might Not Be Wise with Ruchika Goel
Platelet transfusions are life-saving in many situations, but what do you do when they might NOT be helpful?Platelets have been used to save the lives of patients with low platelet counts for decades. For the most part, they are considered a safe and effective...
Jun20212
091: Wholly Whole Blood, the Sequel! with Mark Yazer
CE episode! In 2017, Mark Yazer told us all about “Low-titer Group O Whole Blood (LTOWB).” He's BACK to update us on the latest and greatest news.
Listen to This Episode!
May202119
090CE: RHD Genotyping; We Can Do Better! with Sue Johnson
CE episode! RHD genotyping has not been as widely implemented as we had hoped. Sue Johnson is here to tell us why and how we can do better!
Listen to This Episode!
Mar202124
089CE: The Transfused and the Breathless with Christine Cserti-Gazdewich
CE Episode! Cardiorespiratory transfusion reactions such as TACO and TRALI are deadly. Learn from an expert how to identify and manage them.
Listen to This Episode!
Jan202127
088: Warm Autoantibody Best Practices with Alyssa Ziman and Meghan Delaney
Warm autoantibodies have a well-deserved reputation as tough challenges. Two experts show you some best practices to make things easier.
Listen to This Episode!
Dec202016
087CE: Transfusion-transmitted Infections with Suchi Pandey
CE episode! Transfusion-transmitted infection is less likely today than ever, but that safety comes with a lot of effort. In this interview, you will learn current blood center strategies to keep blood safe.
Listen to This Episode!
Oct202030
086CE: Scary Stories from the Transfusion Service with Mark Fung & Jay Hudgins
CE episode! In this Halloween-themed episode, Mark Fung and Jay Hudgins describe how to handle intense transfusion service situations.
Listen to This Episode!
Jun202017
085CE: What to do When Everything is Incompatible with Jill Storry
CE Episode! Uh-oh! Your patient needs blood, but EVERYTHING is incompatible! Jill Storry says, "Take it easy. Here's what to do next."
Listen to This Episode!
May20204
084: COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma with Pampee Young and Ralph Vassallo
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, does convalescent plasma from recovered patients offer fresh hope for those who are critically ill?
Listen to This Episode!
Apr202027
083CE: Building the Perfect Transfusion Committee with Carolyn Burns
CE episode! Is your hospital transfusion committee doing what it should be doing? Carolyn Burns is back to help guide you to a better experience!
Listen to This Episode!
Mar202016
082: COVID-19 and the Blood Supply with Louis Katz
Emergency episode! Blood banks, hospitals, and blood donors need to know what to do about COVID-19 now. Lou Katz explains. Recorded 3/16/20.
Listen to This Episode!
Mar202011
081CE: Top Ten Changes in the NEW AABB Standards with Rich Gammon
CE episode! April 1, 2020 brings another AABB Standards update, and Standards Committee Chair Rich Gammon walks you through your action items.
Listen to This Episode!
Feb202027
080CE: Is This Donor “Safe?” with Mindy Goldman
CE episode! Safe blood donors, safe recipients: Mindy Goldman outlines Canada's decisions on older donors and men who have had sex with men.
Listen to This Episode!
Jan202030
079: Pioneering Pathogen Reduction with Ray Goodrich
Long ago, pathogen reduction was just a dream, but pioneers like Ray Goodrich figured it out. He talks the past, present and future of PRT.
Listen to This Episode!
Nov201920
078CE: Does That Patient REALLY Need Platelets? with Joe Sweeney
CE episode! Platelet transfusion decisions must Involve more than just the platelet count! Joe Sweeney explains how we can all make better choices.
Listen to This Episode!
Oct201917
077CE: Implementing Pathogen-reduced Platelets with Pat Kopko
CE Episode! Pathogen-reduced platelets may soon be an attractive option for hospitals, but how do you implement them? Pat Kopko shares UCSD's solution!
Listen to This Episode!
Oct201911
076: FDA Platelet Bacteria Guidance with Pat Kopko
The US FDA released the Final Guidance on bacteria in platelets on 9/30/19. Pat Kopko is here to help you understand what you need to do now.
Listen to This Episode!
Aug201914
075CE: What About Fibrinogen? with Melissa Cushing
CE episode! Are we ignoring the most important coag factor when transfusing bleeding patients? Melissa Cushing asks, "What about fibrinogen?"
Listen to This Episode!
Jul201931
074CE: Radioactive! with Chris Tormey
CE episode! Irradiation prevents TA-GHVD, a lethal transfusion complication. But does it really do what you think it does?
Listen to This Episode!
Jul201910
073: Implementing Trauma Whole Blood with David Oh and Mike Goodman
What's cold is hot again! You need to hear how one large US center implemented cold-stored whole blood for trauma transfusion.
Listen to This Episode!
Jun201926
072CE: Neonatal Platelet Transfusion with Martha Sola-Visner
CE episode! What if everything we THOUGHT we knew about neonatal platelet transfusion is wrong?
Listen to This Episode!
Jun201919
071: NEW Therapeutic Apheresis Guidelines with Nancy Dunbar
The new ASFA Guidelines for therapeutic apheresis treatment are now available. Here’s why you need to get your hands on them today!
Listen to This Episode!
Jun20195
070CE: Preventing Alloantibodies in Sickle Cell Disease with Stella Chou
CE episode! Despite "matching," harmful RBC antibodies in patients with sickle cell disease still happen. Are we doing enough? Dr. Stella Chou details our next steps.
Listen to This Episode!
May201922
069CE: Preventing TRALI with Beth Shaz
CE Episode! Blood centers have gone to great lengths in our efforts to prevent TRALI. Beth Shaz is here to explain what has and hasn't worked.
Listen to This Episode!
May201913
068: Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery with Pierre Tibi
Cardiac surgery can be scary for blood banks! A busy cardiac surgeon pulls back the curtain on what is really happening in the OR!
Listen to This Episode!
Apr201924
067CE: Wiser Blood Management Choices with Carolyn Burns
CE Episode! While blood management is discussed everywhere today, your program may need to make wiser choices. Carolyn Burns shows you how.
Listen to This Episode!
Apr201910
066: IgA Deficiency and Anaphylactic Reactions with Jerry Sandler
Here's what we thought we knew: IgA deficiency leads to anaphylactic transfusion reactions. Jerry Sandler says, "it's not that simple!"
Listen to This Episode!
Mar201918
065: Transfusion and Jehovah’s Witnesses with Jed Gorlin
Jehovah's Witnesses refuse transfusion based on religious beliefs, but blood bankers are still important in their care. Jed Gorlin shows us why.
Listen to This Episode!
Feb201927
064CE: Granulocyte Transfusions with Ron Strauss
CE episode! Despite disappointing recent studies, Ron Strauss believes granulocyte concentrates still have an important role in modern Transfusion Medicine.
Listen to This Episode!
Feb20196
063CE: Anti-CD47 Testing Interference with Connie Westhoff
CE episode! Anti-CD47 is an exciting new cancer drug that totally messes up routine blood bank testing! Connie Westhoff shows how to get past the interference and keep patients safe.
Listen to This Episode!
Jan201918
062CE: Autologous and Directed Donation with Julie Karp
CE episode! Donating blood for your own use (autologous) or choosing your blood donor (directed donation) seems wise, but Julie Karp says, "not always!"
Listen to This Episode!
Dec201812
061CE: Better AABB Assessments with Anne Chenoweth
CE episode! You know all about AABB Standards, but how do you make them practical? Anne Chenoweth gives us tips to make your next AABB assessment better!
Listen to This Episode!
Nov201813
060CE: Transforming Inventory Management with Nancy Dunbar
CE Episode! Nancy Dunbar says simple adjustments to "the rules" could reduce shortages of O-neg RBCs, AB plasma, and platelets!
Listen to This Episode!
Oct201829
059: Antigen Matching for Future Moms with Meghan Delaney
Do females that could have babies in the future need to be matched for antigens like K to prevent HDFN? Meghan Delaney explains what she discovered in the "AMIGO Study."
Listen to This Episode!
Oct20183
058CE: Transfusion and Blood Clots with Ruchika Goel
CE episode! Blood clots after surgery are a huge problem. Ruchika Goel explains the possible scary link between red cell transfusion and venous thromboembolism.
Listen to This Episode!
Sep201826
057: Nonspecific Antibodies with Brenda Grossman
Isolated nonspecific reactions ("antibodies of undetermined specificity") on antibody workups are common and irritating, but are they important? Brenda Grossman explains.
Listen to This Episode!
Sep20184
056CE: Transfusion in Liver Disease with Jeannie Callum
CE episode! Jeannie Callum says liver disease patients receive too much blood (almost 1 in every 5 blood products!), and shows us how to improve practice.
Listen to This Episode!
Aug201817
055CE: 2017 Critical Developments with Claudia Cohn and Melissa Cushing
CE episode! "I never KNEW about that paper!" All too common, right? Two editors of a synopsis of 2016-17 BB/TM literature summarize what you should know.
Listen to This Episode!
Aug20181
054: ABO Discrepancies Essentials with Nicole Draper
By popular demand, it's time for ABO Discrepancies! Nicole Draper gives you three rules that will help you solve most of these cases.
Listen to This Episode!
Jul201816
053CE: Alloimmunization is a BIG Word! with Chris Tormey
CE Episode! Alloimmunization has been a mystery for decades, but Chris Tormey has new answers for why patients make antibodies we wish they didn't!
Listen to This Episode!
Jun201825
052: Patient Blood Management: What Are You Missing? with Aryeh Shander
Your in-hospital blood management strategy may be perfect, but too late. Dr. Shander says preoperative anemia is a HUGE issue!
Listen to This Episode!
Jun201812
051: Product Choice and Compatibility Testing with Sue Johnson
Sue Johnson shows us how to choose compatible blood products and TEST them to make sure they are compatible (2 of 2).
Listen to This Episode!
Apr201827
050CE: Specimen Issues and Serologic Testing with Sue Johnson
CE episode! Sue Johnson returns to explain specimen requirements and patient serologic testing (part 1 of 2).
Listen to This Episode!
Apr20189
049CE: Red, White, and Yellow! with Jeff Winters
CE episode! Urgent removal of WBCs, platelets, and RBCs (therapeutic cytapheresis) can be stressful, but Jeff Winters has tons of practical insights to share with all of us.
Listen to This Episode!
Mar201826
048: Bloodless Medicine? with Steve Frank
Major surgery without transfusion? Is this possible? It's VERY possible, and Dr. Steve Frank from the Johns Hopkins Bloodless Medicine Program, shares tips on just how to do it!
Listen to This Episode!
Mar201812
047CE: I See CMV! with John Roback
CE episode! How do we achieve "CMV-safe" blood? Dr. John Roback was senior author of an AABB report, and he's here to clear the air...maybe!
Listen to This Episode!
Feb20186
046: Top 5 Changes in the NEW AABB Standards with Pat Ooley
Pat Ooley, Chair of the BBTS Standards Committee, outlines the top 5 changes in the 31st edition of AABB Standards (which went live April 1, 2018).
Listen to This Episode!
Jan201824
045: Past, Present, & Future with Harvey Klein
In 40+ years at the NIH, Dr. Harvey Klein has seen it all in Transfusion Medicine! Hear his fascinating stories and opinions on the Past, Present, & Future.
Listen to This Episode!
Jan20188
044CE: What I Wish I Knew! with Pat Kopko
CE episode! Listen in as my friend of 30+ years, Pat Kopko, and I share tons of essential tips we wish we knew "way back when!"
Listen to This Episode!
Dec201718
043CE: Practical Tips to Influence Transfusion Practice with Mark Fung
CE episode! Can transfusion practice be changed? Maybe not, but it can be influenced, and Dr. Mark Fung explains how to do so!
Listen to This Episode!
Dec201711
042: Do Clinicians Know Transfusion Medicine? with Rich Haspel
Do those making clinical decisions really know transfusion medicine? Rich Haspel and the BEST Collaborative identified the educational gaps!
Listen to This Episode!
Nov201727
041: Blood Donor Questions with Mary Townsend
Blood donors answer tons of predonation questions. Mary Townsend knows how those questions are developed, and she's here to explain.
Listen to This Episode!
Nov20178
040CE: “Wholly Whole Blood!” with Mark Yazer
CE Episode! You may think whole blood is a dinosaur, a relic of long-forgotten blood banks past. Mark Yazer wants to convince you otherwise!
Listen to This Episode!
Oct20176
039CE: Understanding Febrile Reactions with Christine Cserti-Gazdewich
CE Episode! Febrile transfusion reactions are no big deal, right? Dr. Cserti-Gazdewich says, "Hold on! There's more to the story!"
Listen to This Episode!
Sep20175
038: HDFN with Greg Denomme
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) seems simple, but there are lots of pitfalls! Greg Denomme guides us to HDFN clarity!
Listen to This Episode!
Aug201721
037: How to Learn with Justin Kreuter
What if everything we "know" about learning is wrong, and we need to change how we teach? Justin Kreuter "flips the classroom" to help us.
Listen to This Episode!
Aug20177
036: Group A Plasma in Trauma with Nancy Dunbar & Tait Stevens
Blood banks commonly use group A instead of AB plasma in trauma transfusion. Drs. Stevens & Dunbar share new evidence on whether this is safe!
Listen to This Episode!
Jul201724
035: Why Give Platelets? with Rick Kaufman
Platelets are tiny, but they can be a big issue! Dr. Rick Kaufman magnifies what the evidence shows about platelet transfusion.
Listen to This Episode!
Jul201710
034: Neonatal RBC Transfusion with Cassandra Josephson
Got lots of concerns about transfusing babies? Dr. Cassandra Josephson guides you through 5 essential neonatal RBC transfusion questions.
Listen to This Episode!
Jun201719
033: Straight Talk with an ER Physician with Scott Weingart
Tense relationship between blood bank and ER? Dr. Scott Weingart (a world-renowned Emergency Medicine physician) joins me to clear the air!
Listen to This Episode!
May201730
032: Eat Your Spinach? Donors and Iron with Jed Gorlin
"Have a steak! Eat your spinach!" Does that advice help donors? Jed Gorlin shows us why the old iron ways may not best!
Listen to This Episode!
May201715
031: Why All Blood Bankers Should Be on Twitter
Twitter is great for both young and "old" blood bankers. This roundtable discussion explains why you should dive in!
Listen to This Episode!
Apr201710
030: Antibodies in Sickle Cell with Eric Gehrie
Dr. Eric Gehrie explains why transfusing patients with sickle cell disease is challenging, especially in regard to alloimmunization.
Listen to This Episode!
Mar201720
029: Molecular Testing with Meghan Delaney
Molecular testing is everywhere in medicine today, and the blood bank is no exception! Meghan Delaney shows us how it all fits.
Listen to This Episode!
Feb201727
028: Who DAT? with Sue Johnson
For what is really a simple test, the Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) can be surprisingly confusing and complex. Sue Johnson is here to guide us to clarity!
Listen to This Episode!
Feb201713
027: NAIT with Brian Curtis
Is Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT) just the platelet version of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn? Not quite! Dr. Brian Curtis helps us not hate NAIT!
Listen to This Episode!
Jan201723
026: Treating TTP with Jeff Winters
Continuing the discussion from BBGE 025, Jeff Winters explains a true emergency: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP).
Listen to This Episode!
Jan201716
025: Intro to Therapeutic Apheresis with Jeff Winters
Therapeutic apheresis doesn't have to be scary! Dr. Jeff Winters is an enthusiastic and willing guide, and he gives us the Essentials!
Listen to This Episode!
Dec201619
024: Allergic Reactions with Will Savage
YAWN…Do you still think allergic reactions are benign and boring? Dr. Will Savage is here to explain why they are actually a big deal!
Listen to This Episode!
Dec201612
023: RBC Transfusion Guidelines with Jeff Carson
Whither RBCs? There’s no one better than lead author Dr. Jeff Carson to discuss the 2016 AABB RBC transfusion threshold recommendations!
Listen to This Episode!
Nov201628
022: Age of Blood with Nancy Heddle
Nancy Heddle is lead author of a landmark study analyzing age of blood and mortality. This "INFORMative" discussion may surprise you!
Listen to This Episode!
Nov201614
021: TACO with Garrett Booth
TACO is under-diagnosed, under-reported, and under-respected! Dr. Garrett Booth is here to help you understand the "ins and outs" of TACO.
Listen to This Episode!
Oct201624
020: Pathogen Inactivation with Jeff McCullough
Dr. Jeff McCullough discusses how to treat blood to zap most all of the "bugs in the bag," a process called pathogen inactivation.
Listen to This Episode!
Oct201619
019: Cryoprecipitate with Joe Chaffin
Cryoprecipitate: Still used in the US, but not widely understood! Dr. Chaffin answers common questions and addresses common CRYO myths!
Listen to This Episode!
Sep201629
018: Transfusion Premedication with Heidi Shafi
Many providers routinely give pretransfusion acetaminophen/diphenhydramine. Dr. Shafi explains why this might not be a great idea.
Listen to This Episode!
Sep201613
017: Transfusion Reactions with Mark Fung
All who transfuse or issue blood must understand the complications that can occur. Dr. Mark Fung gives us a straightforward approach.
Listen to This Episode!
Aug201630
016: Plasma Transfusion with Jeannie Callum
As many as 50% of plasma transfusions are unnecessary or inappropriate! You need to know why, and Dr. Jeannie Callum explains it SO well!
Listen to This Episode!
Jul201631
015 & 015-1: Zika Virus with Joe Chaffin
Zika virus is a really big issue for blood centers and hospitals (among others!). These two 2016 episodes hit the basics and beyond.
Listen to This Episode!
Jul201629
014: Patient Blood Management with Emily Volk
Patient blood management is not “coming,” it’s already HERE! Hospitals everywhere are starting PBM programs; what should YOURS do now?
Listen to This Episode!
Jul201615
013: TA-GVHD with Joe Chaffin
Transfusion-associated graft-vs-host disease is a dangerous transfusion complication! Learn how to prevent and hopefully never see TA-GVHD.
Listen to This Episode!
Jun201624
012: Pediatric Transfusion with Cassandra Josephson
Infants and children are NOT just "little adults!" Dr. Cassandra Josephson shares 5 principles you must know about pediatric transfusion.
Listen to This Episode!
Jun20166
011: Drug-induced Immune Hemolysis with Pat Arndt
Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia seems complicated (and it can be!). Pat Arndt dispenses some clear guidance to treat your confusion!
Listen to This Episode!
May201631
010: Daratumumab Effect with Rick Kaufman
Daratumumab…Funny name, promising drug! Dr. Rick Kaufman is an authority on DARA’s confusing effects on BB testing, and he’s here to help.
Listen to This Episode!
May201623
009: Awesome Presentations with Kristine Krafts
It's easy to give a lousy presentation, but doing it right is SO much better! Kristine Krafts has 5 tips for AMAZING presentations!
Listen to This Episode!
May201616
008: Mythbusters with Kevin Land
Myths: Commonly held but incorrect beliefs. Dr. Kevin Land has the experience and expertise to “bust” some blood bank mythological ideas!
Listen to This Episode!
May20169
007: Massive Transfusion with Minh-Ha Tran
Massive transfusion sounds scary! Dr. Tran makes it better by explaining the "Who, Where, What, Why, When, and How” of Massive Transfusion.
Listen to This Episode!
May20162
006: Ask BBGuy Mailbag
Dr. Chaffin opens the BBGuy mailbag to discuss D variants, Liquid Plasma, warm autoantibody issues, and directed donor blood collections.
Listen to This Episode!
Apr201625
005: Rh Genotyping with Connie Westhoff
You should be using RHD genotyping, says Dr. Connie Westhoff, in particular in patients with unexpected results on serologic D typing. Learn why here.
Listen to This Episode!
Apr201618
004: Tough Transfusion Choices with Magali Fontaine
Dr. Magali Fontaine breaks down some challenging transfusion service issues, including CMV, ABO issues with platelets, and age of blood.
Listen to This Episode!
Apr201611
003: Septic Reactions with Anne Eder
Bacterially-tainted platelet units are FAR more common than other transfusion infections! Dr. Anne Eder outlines the problem and solutions.
Listen to This Episode!
Apr20162
002: Platelet Refractoriness with Pat Kopko
Platelet refractoriness is a common headache. Dr. Pat Kopko spells out a practical approach to patients who don’t respond to platelets.
Listen to This Episode!
Mar201630
001: Whole Blood Platelets with Mark Yazer
Dr. Mark Yazer explodes some of the persistent misconceptions that blood bankers and clinicians have about whole blood-derived platelets!
Listen to This Episode!
Mar201630
000: Introduction with Joe Chaffin
Welcome to the Blood Bank Guy Essentials Podcast, a new project from Joe Chaffin! This quick episode tells you what to expect and learn.
Listen to This Episode!
092: When Platelet Transfusion Might Not Be Wise with Ruchika Goel Listen to This Episode!
092: When Platelet Transfusion Might Not Be Wise with Ruchika Goel
Platelet transfusions are life-saving in many situations, but what do you do when they might NOT be helpful?Platelets have been used to save the lives of patients with low platelet counts for decades. For the most part, they are considered a safe and effective...
091: Wholly Whole Blood, the Sequel! with Mark Yazer
091: Wholly Whole Blood, the Sequel! with Mark Yazer
CE episode! In 2017, Mark Yazer told us all about “Low-titer Group O Whole Blood (LTOWB).” He's BACK to update us on the latest and greatest news.
Listen to This Episode!
090CE: RHD Genotyping; We Can Do Better! with Sue Johnson
090CE: RHD Genotyping; We Can Do Better! with Sue Johnson
CE episode! RHD genotyping has not been as widely implemented as we had hoped. Sue Johnson is here to tell us why and how we can do better!
Listen to This Episode!
089CE: The Transfused and the Breathless with Christine Cserti-Gazdewich
089CE: The Transfused and the Breathless with Christine Cserti-Gazdewich
CE Episode! Cardiorespiratory transfusion reactions such as TACO and TRALI are deadly. Learn from an expert how to identify and manage them.
Listen to This Episode!
088: Warm Autoantibody Best Practices with Alyssa Ziman and Meghan Delaney
088: Warm Autoantibody Best Practices with Alyssa Ziman and Meghan Delaney
Warm autoantibodies have a well-deserved reputation as tough challenges. Two experts show you some best practices to make things easier.
Listen to This Episode!
087CE: Transfusion-transmitted Infections with Suchi Pandey
087CE: Transfusion-transmitted Infections with Suchi Pandey
CE episode! Transfusion-transmitted infection is less likely today than ever, but that safety comes with a lot of effort. In this interview, you will learn current blood center strategies to keep blood safe.
Listen to This Episode!
086CE: Scary Stories from the Transfusion Service with Mark Fung & Jay Hudgins
086CE: Scary Stories from the Transfusion Service with Mark Fung & Jay Hudgins
CE episode! In this Halloween-themed episode, Mark Fung and Jay Hudgins describe how to handle intense transfusion service situations.
Listen to This Episode!
085CE: What to do When Everything is Incompatible with Jill Storry
085CE: What to do When Everything is Incompatible with Jill Storry
CE Episode! Uh-oh! Your patient needs blood, but EVERYTHING is incompatible! Jill Storry says, "Take it easy. Here's what to do next."
Listen to This Episode!
084: COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma with Pampee Young and Ralph Vassallo
084: COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma with Pampee Young and Ralph Vassallo
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, does convalescent plasma from recovered patients offer fresh hope for those who are critically ill?
Listen to This Episode!
083CE: Building the Perfect Transfusion Committee with Carolyn Burns
083CE: Building the Perfect Transfusion Committee with Carolyn Burns
CE episode! Is your hospital transfusion committee doing what it should be doing? Carolyn Burns is back to help guide you to a better experience!
Listen to This Episode!
082: COVID-19 and the Blood Supply with Louis Katz
082: COVID-19 and the Blood Supply with Louis Katz
Emergency episode! Blood banks, hospitals, and blood donors need to know what to do about COVID-19 now. Lou Katz explains. Recorded 3/16/20.
Listen to This Episode!
081CE: Top Ten Changes in the NEW AABB Standards with Rich Gammon
081CE: Top Ten Changes in the NEW AABB Standards with Rich Gammon
CE episode! April 1, 2020 brings another AABB Standards update, and Standards Committee Chair Rich Gammon walks you through your action items.
Listen to This Episode!
080CE: Is This Donor “Safe?” with Mindy Goldman
080CE: Is This Donor “Safe?” with Mindy Goldman
CE episode! Safe blood donors, safe recipients: Mindy Goldman outlines Canada's decisions on older donors and men who have had sex with men.
Listen to This Episode!
079: Pioneering Pathogen Reduction with Ray Goodrich
079: Pioneering Pathogen Reduction with Ray Goodrich
Long ago, pathogen reduction was just a dream, but pioneers like Ray Goodrich figured it out. He talks the past, present and future of PRT.
Listen to This Episode!
078CE: Does That Patient REALLY Need Platelets? with Joe Sweeney
078CE: Does That Patient REALLY Need Platelets? with Joe Sweeney
CE episode! Platelet transfusion decisions must Involve more than just the platelet count! Joe Sweeney explains how we can all make better choices.
Listen to This Episode!
077CE: Implementing Pathogen-reduced Platelets with Pat Kopko
077CE: Implementing Pathogen-reduced Platelets with Pat Kopko
CE Episode! Pathogen-reduced platelets may soon be an attractive option for hospitals, but how do you implement them? Pat Kopko shares UCSD's solution!
Listen to This Episode!
076: FDA Platelet Bacteria Guidance with Pat Kopko
076: FDA Platelet Bacteria Guidance with Pat Kopko
The US FDA released the Final Guidance on bacteria in platelets on 9/30/19. Pat Kopko is here to help you understand what you need to do now.
Listen to This Episode!
075CE: What About Fibrinogen? with Melissa Cushing
075CE: What About Fibrinogen? with Melissa Cushing
CE episode! Are we ignoring the most important coag factor when transfusing bleeding patients? Melissa Cushing asks, "What about fibrinogen?"
Listen to This Episode!
074CE: Radioactive! with Chris Tormey
074CE: Radioactive! with Chris Tormey
CE episode! Irradiation prevents TA-GHVD, a lethal transfusion complication. But does it really do what you think it does?
Listen to This Episode!
073: Implementing Trauma Whole Blood with David Oh and Mike Goodman
073: Implementing Trauma Whole Blood with David Oh and Mike Goodman
What's cold is hot again! You need to hear how one large US center implemented cold-stored whole blood for trauma transfusion.
Listen to This Episode!
072CE: Neonatal Platelet Transfusion with Martha Sola-Visner
072CE: Neonatal Platelet Transfusion with Martha Sola-Visner
CE episode! What if everything we THOUGHT we knew about neonatal platelet transfusion is wrong?
Listen to This Episode!
071: NEW Therapeutic Apheresis Guidelines with Nancy Dunbar
071: NEW Therapeutic Apheresis Guidelines with Nancy Dunbar
The new ASFA Guidelines for therapeutic apheresis treatment are now available. Here’s why you need to get your hands on them today!
Listen to This Episode!
070CE: Preventing Alloantibodies in Sickle Cell Disease with Stella Chou
070CE: Preventing Alloantibodies in Sickle Cell Disease with Stella Chou
CE episode! Despite "matching," harmful RBC antibodies in patients with sickle cell disease still happen. Are we doing enough? Dr. Stella Chou details our next steps.
Listen to This Episode!
069CE: Preventing TRALI with Beth Shaz
069CE: Preventing TRALI with Beth Shaz
CE Episode! Blood centers have gone to great lengths in our efforts to prevent TRALI. Beth Shaz is here to explain what has and hasn't worked.
Listen to This Episode!
068: Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery with Pierre Tibi
068: Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery with Pierre Tibi
Cardiac surgery can be scary for blood banks! A busy cardiac surgeon pulls back the curtain on what is really happening in the OR!
Listen to This Episode!
067CE: Wiser Blood Management Choices with Carolyn Burns
067CE: Wiser Blood Management Choices with Carolyn Burns
CE Episode! While blood management is discussed everywhere today, your program may need to make wiser choices. Carolyn Burns shows you how.
Listen to This Episode!
066: IgA Deficiency and Anaphylactic Reactions with Jerry Sandler
066: IgA Deficiency and Anaphylactic Reactions with Jerry Sandler
Here's what we thought we knew: IgA deficiency leads to anaphylactic transfusion reactions. Jerry Sandler says, "it's not that simple!"
Listen to This Episode!
065: Transfusion and Jehovah’s Witnesses with Jed Gorlin
065: Transfusion and Jehovah’s Witnesses with Jed Gorlin
Jehovah's Witnesses refuse transfusion based on religious beliefs, but blood bankers are still important in their care. Jed Gorlin shows us why.
Listen to This Episode!
064CE: Granulocyte Transfusions with Ron Strauss
064CE: Granulocyte Transfusions with Ron Strauss
CE episode! Despite disappointing recent studies, Ron Strauss believes granulocyte concentrates still have an important role in modern Transfusion Medicine.
Listen to This Episode!
063CE: Anti-CD47 Testing Interference with Connie Westhoff
063CE: Anti-CD47 Testing Interference with Connie Westhoff
CE episode! Anti-CD47 is an exciting new cancer drug that totally messes up routine blood bank testing! Connie Westhoff shows how to get past the interference and keep patients safe.
Listen to This Episode!
062CE: Autologous and Directed Donation with Julie Karp
062CE: Autologous and Directed Donation with Julie Karp
CE episode! Donating blood for your own use (autologous) or choosing your blood donor (directed donation) seems wise, but Julie Karp says, "not always!"
Listen to This Episode!
061CE: Better AABB Assessments with Anne Chenoweth
061CE: Better AABB Assessments with Anne Chenoweth
CE episode! You know all about AABB Standards, but how do you make them practical? Anne Chenoweth gives us tips to make your next AABB assessment better!
Listen to This Episode!
060CE: Transforming Inventory Management with Nancy Dunbar
060CE: Transforming Inventory Management with Nancy Dunbar
CE Episode! Nancy Dunbar says simple adjustments to "the rules" could reduce shortages of O-neg RBCs, AB plasma, and platelets!
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059: Antigen Matching for Future Moms with Meghan Delaney
059: Antigen Matching for Future Moms with Meghan Delaney
Do females that could have babies in the future need to be matched for antigens like K to prevent HDFN? Meghan Delaney explains what she discovered in the "AMIGO Study."
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058CE: Transfusion and Blood Clots with Ruchika Goel
058CE: Transfusion and Blood Clots with Ruchika Goel
CE episode! Blood clots after surgery are a huge problem. Ruchika Goel explains the possible scary link between red cell transfusion and venous thromboembolism.
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057: Nonspecific Antibodies with Brenda Grossman
057: Nonspecific Antibodies with Brenda Grossman
Isolated nonspecific reactions ("antibodies of undetermined specificity") on antibody workups are common and irritating, but are they important? Brenda Grossman explains.
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056CE: Transfusion in Liver Disease with Jeannie Callum
056CE: Transfusion in Liver Disease with Jeannie Callum
CE episode! Jeannie Callum says liver disease patients receive too much blood (almost 1 in every 5 blood products!), and shows us how to improve practice.
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055CE: 2017 Critical Developments with Claudia Cohn and Melissa Cushing
055CE: 2017 Critical Developments with Claudia Cohn and Melissa Cushing
CE episode! "I never KNEW about that paper!" All too common, right? Two editors of a synopsis of 2016-17 BB/TM literature summarize what you should know.
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054: ABO Discrepancies Essentials with Nicole Draper
054: ABO Discrepancies Essentials with Nicole Draper
By popular demand, it's time for ABO Discrepancies! Nicole Draper gives you three rules that will help you solve most of these cases.
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053CE: Alloimmunization is a BIG Word! with Chris Tormey
053CE: Alloimmunization is a BIG Word! with Chris Tormey
CE Episode! Alloimmunization has been a mystery for decades, but Chris Tormey has new answers for why patients make antibodies we wish they didn't!
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052: Patient Blood Management: What Are You Missing? with Aryeh Shander
052: Patient Blood Management: What Are You Missing? with Aryeh Shander
Your in-hospital blood management strategy may be perfect, but too late. Dr. Shander says preoperative anemia is a HUGE issue!
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051: Product Choice and Compatibility Testing with Sue Johnson
051: Product Choice and Compatibility Testing with Sue Johnson
Sue Johnson shows us how to choose compatible blood products and TEST them to make sure they are compatible (2 of 2).
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050CE: Specimen Issues and Serologic Testing with Sue Johnson
050CE: Specimen Issues and Serologic Testing with Sue Johnson
CE episode! Sue Johnson returns to explain specimen requirements and patient serologic testing (part 1 of 2).
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049CE: Red, White, and Yellow! with Jeff Winters
049CE: Red, White, and Yellow! with Jeff Winters
CE episode! Urgent removal of WBCs, platelets, and RBCs (therapeutic cytapheresis) can be stressful, but Jeff Winters has tons of practical insights to share with all of us.
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048: Bloodless Medicine? with Steve Frank
048: Bloodless Medicine? with Steve Frank
Major surgery without transfusion? Is this possible? It's VERY possible, and Dr. Steve Frank from the Johns Hopkins Bloodless Medicine Program, shares tips on just how to do it!
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047CE: I See CMV! with John Roback
047CE: I See CMV! with John Roback
CE episode! How do we achieve "CMV-safe" blood? Dr. John Roback was senior author of an AABB report, and he's here to clear the air...maybe!
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046: Top 5 Changes in the NEW AABB Standards with Pat Ooley
046: Top 5 Changes in the NEW AABB Standards with Pat Ooley
Pat Ooley, Chair of the BBTS Standards Committee, outlines the top 5 changes in the 31st edition of AABB Standards (which went live April 1, 2018).
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045: Past, Present, & Future with Harvey Klein
045: Past, Present, & Future with Harvey Klein
In 40+ years at the NIH, Dr. Harvey Klein has seen it all in Transfusion Medicine! Hear his fascinating stories and opinions on the Past, Present, & Future.
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044CE: What I Wish I Knew! with Pat Kopko
044CE: What I Wish I Knew! with Pat Kopko
CE episode! Listen in as my friend of 30+ years, Pat Kopko, and I share tons of essential tips we wish we knew "way back when!"
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043CE: Practical Tips to Influence Transfusion Practice with Mark Fung
043CE: Practical Tips to Influence Transfusion Practice with Mark Fung
CE episode! Can transfusion practice be changed? Maybe not, but it can be influenced, and Dr. Mark Fung explains how to do so!
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042: Do Clinicians Know Transfusion Medicine? with Rich Haspel
042: Do Clinicians Know Transfusion Medicine? with Rich Haspel
Do those making clinical decisions really know transfusion medicine? Rich Haspel and the BEST Collaborative identified the educational gaps!
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041: Blood Donor Questions with Mary Townsend
041: Blood Donor Questions with Mary Townsend
Blood donors answer tons of predonation questions. Mary Townsend knows how those questions are developed, and she's here to explain.
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040CE: “Wholly Whole Blood!” with Mark Yazer
040CE: “Wholly Whole Blood!” with Mark Yazer
CE Episode! You may think whole blood is a dinosaur, a relic of long-forgotten blood banks past. Mark Yazer wants to convince you otherwise!
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039CE: Understanding Febrile Reactions with Christine Cserti-Gazdewich
039CE: Understanding Febrile Reactions with Christine Cserti-Gazdewich
CE Episode! Febrile transfusion reactions are no big deal, right? Dr. Cserti-Gazdewich says, "Hold on! There's more to the story!"
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038: HDFN with Greg Denomme
038: HDFN with Greg Denomme
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) seems simple, but there are lots of pitfalls! Greg Denomme guides us to HDFN clarity!
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037: How to Learn with Justin Kreuter
037: How to Learn with Justin Kreuter
What if everything we "know" about learning is wrong, and we need to change how we teach? Justin Kreuter "flips the classroom" to help us.
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036: Group A Plasma in Trauma with Nancy Dunbar & Tait Stevens
036: Group A Plasma in Trauma with Nancy Dunbar & Tait Stevens
Blood banks commonly use group A instead of AB plasma in trauma transfusion. Drs. Stevens & Dunbar share new evidence on whether this is safe!
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035: Why Give Platelets? with Rick Kaufman
035: Why Give Platelets? with Rick Kaufman
Platelets are tiny, but they can be a big issue! Dr. Rick Kaufman magnifies what the evidence shows about platelet transfusion.
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034: Neonatal RBC Transfusion with Cassandra Josephson
034: Neonatal RBC Transfusion with Cassandra Josephson
Got lots of concerns about transfusing babies? Dr. Cassandra Josephson guides you through 5 essential neonatal RBC transfusion questions.
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033: Straight Talk with an ER Physician with Scott Weingart
033: Straight Talk with an ER Physician with Scott Weingart
Tense relationship between blood bank and ER? Dr. Scott Weingart (a world-renowned Emergency Medicine physician) joins me to clear the air!
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032: Eat Your Spinach? Donors and Iron with Jed Gorlin
032: Eat Your Spinach? Donors and Iron with Jed Gorlin
"Have a steak! Eat your spinach!" Does that advice help donors? Jed Gorlin shows us why the old iron ways may not best!
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031: Why All Blood Bankers Should Be on Twitter
031: Why All Blood Bankers Should Be on Twitter
Twitter is great for both young and "old" blood bankers. This roundtable discussion explains why you should dive in!
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030: Antibodies in Sickle Cell with Eric Gehrie
030: Antibodies in Sickle Cell with Eric Gehrie
Dr. Eric Gehrie explains why transfusing patients with sickle cell disease is challenging, especially in regard to alloimmunization.
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029: Molecular Testing with Meghan Delaney
029: Molecular Testing with Meghan Delaney
Molecular testing is everywhere in medicine today, and the blood bank is no exception! Meghan Delaney shows us how it all fits.
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028: Who DAT? with Sue Johnson
028: Who DAT? with Sue Johnson
For what is really a simple test, the Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) can be surprisingly confusing and complex. Sue Johnson is here to guide us to clarity!
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027: NAIT with Brian Curtis
027: NAIT with Brian Curtis
Is Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT) just the platelet version of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn? Not quite! Dr. Brian Curtis helps us not hate NAIT!
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026: Treating TTP with Jeff Winters
026: Treating TTP with Jeff Winters
Continuing the discussion from BBGE 025, Jeff Winters explains a true emergency: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP).
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025: Intro to Therapeutic Apheresis with Jeff Winters
025: Intro to Therapeutic Apheresis with Jeff Winters
Therapeutic apheresis doesn't have to be scary! Dr. Jeff Winters is an enthusiastic and willing guide, and he gives us the Essentials!
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024: Allergic Reactions with Will Savage
024: Allergic Reactions with Will Savage
YAWN…Do you still think allergic reactions are benign and boring? Dr. Will Savage is here to explain why they are actually a big deal!
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023: RBC Transfusion Guidelines with Jeff Carson
023: RBC Transfusion Guidelines with Jeff Carson
Whither RBCs? There’s no one better than lead author Dr. Jeff Carson to discuss the 2016 AABB RBC transfusion threshold recommendations!
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022: Age of Blood with Nancy Heddle
022: Age of Blood with Nancy Heddle
Nancy Heddle is lead author of a landmark study analyzing age of blood and mortality. This "INFORMative" discussion may surprise you!
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021: TACO with Garrett Booth
021: TACO with Garrett Booth
TACO is under-diagnosed, under-reported, and under-respected! Dr. Garrett Booth is here to help you understand the "ins and outs" of TACO.
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020: Pathogen Inactivation with Jeff McCullough
020: Pathogen Inactivation with Jeff McCullough
Dr. Jeff McCullough discusses how to treat blood to zap most all of the "bugs in the bag," a process called pathogen inactivation.
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019: Cryoprecipitate with Joe Chaffin
019: Cryoprecipitate with Joe Chaffin
Cryoprecipitate: Still used in the US, but not widely understood! Dr. Chaffin answers common questions and addresses common CRYO myths!
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018: Transfusion Premedication with Heidi Shafi
018: Transfusion Premedication with Heidi Shafi
Many providers routinely give pretransfusion acetaminophen/diphenhydramine. Dr. Shafi explains why this might not be a great idea.
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017: Transfusion Reactions with Mark Fung
017: Transfusion Reactions with Mark Fung
All who transfuse or issue blood must understand the complications that can occur. Dr. Mark Fung gives us a straightforward approach.
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016: Plasma Transfusion with Jeannie Callum
016: Plasma Transfusion with Jeannie Callum
As many as 50% of plasma transfusions are unnecessary or inappropriate! You need to know why, and Dr. Jeannie Callum explains it SO well!
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015 & 015-1: Zika Virus with Joe Chaffin
015 & 015-1: Zika Virus with Joe Chaffin
Zika virus is a really big issue for blood centers and hospitals (among others!). These two 2016 episodes hit the basics and beyond.
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014: Patient Blood Management with Emily Volk
014: Patient Blood Management with Emily Volk
Patient blood management is not “coming,” it’s already HERE! Hospitals everywhere are starting PBM programs; what should YOURS do now?
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013: TA-GVHD with Joe Chaffin
013: TA-GVHD with Joe Chaffin
Transfusion-associated graft-vs-host disease is a dangerous transfusion complication! Learn how to prevent and hopefully never see TA-GVHD.
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012: Pediatric Transfusion with Cassandra Josephson
012: Pediatric Transfusion with Cassandra Josephson
Infants and children are NOT just "little adults!" Dr. Cassandra Josephson shares 5 principles you must know about pediatric transfusion.
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011: Drug-induced Immune Hemolysis with Pat Arndt
011: Drug-induced Immune Hemolysis with Pat Arndt
Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia seems complicated (and it can be!). Pat Arndt dispenses some clear guidance to treat your confusion!
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010: Daratumumab Effect with Rick Kaufman
010: Daratumumab Effect with Rick Kaufman
Daratumumab…Funny name, promising drug! Dr. Rick Kaufman is an authority on DARA’s confusing effects on BB testing, and he’s here to help.
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009: Awesome Presentations with Kristine Krafts
009: Awesome Presentations with Kristine Krafts
It's easy to give a lousy presentation, but doing it right is SO much better! Kristine Krafts has 5 tips for AMAZING presentations!
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008: Mythbusters with Kevin Land
008: Mythbusters with Kevin Land
Myths: Commonly held but incorrect beliefs. Dr. Kevin Land has the experience and expertise to “bust” some blood bank mythological ideas!
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007: Massive Transfusion with Minh-Ha Tran
007: Massive Transfusion with Minh-Ha Tran
Massive transfusion sounds scary! Dr. Tran makes it better by explaining the "Who, Where, What, Why, When, and How” of Massive Transfusion.
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006: Ask BBGuy Mailbag
006: Ask BBGuy Mailbag
Dr. Chaffin opens the BBGuy mailbag to discuss D variants, Liquid Plasma, warm autoantibody issues, and directed donor blood collections.
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005: Rh Genotyping with Connie Westhoff
005: Rh Genotyping with Connie Westhoff
You should be using RHD genotyping, says Dr. Connie Westhoff, in particular in patients with unexpected results on serologic D typing. Learn why here.
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004: Tough Transfusion Choices with Magali Fontaine
004: Tough Transfusion Choices with Magali Fontaine
Dr. Magali Fontaine breaks down some challenging transfusion service issues, including CMV, ABO issues with platelets, and age of blood.
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003: Septic Reactions with Anne Eder
003: Septic Reactions with Anne Eder
Bacterially-tainted platelet units are FAR more common than other transfusion infections! Dr. Anne Eder outlines the problem and solutions.
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002: Platelet Refractoriness with Pat Kopko
002: Platelet Refractoriness with Pat Kopko
Platelet refractoriness is a common headache. Dr. Pat Kopko spells out a practical approach to patients who don’t respond to platelets.
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001: Whole Blood Platelets with Mark Yazer
001: Whole Blood Platelets with Mark Yazer
Dr. Mark Yazer explodes some of the persistent misconceptions that blood bankers and clinicians have about whole blood-derived platelets!
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000: Introduction with Joe Chaffin
000: Introduction with Joe Chaffin
Welcome to the Blood Bank Guy Essentials Podcast, a new project from Joe Chaffin! This quick episode tells you what to expect and learn.
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