| February 20, 2013 | News for the transfusion medicine and cellular therapy community |
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- Protocol leads to decreased blood use during maternal bleeding
The need for blood transfusions and hysterectomies declined with the use of a comprehensive treatment protocol for maternal bleeding at participating hospitals, according to findings presented at a maternal-fetal medicine meeting. The protocol led to reductions of 22%, 31%, 43% and 58% in the use of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen platelets, platelets and cryoprecipitate, respectively. MedPage Today (free registration)
(2/19)     
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Variety is the spice of life.
That's why Quotient sources cells from US, Europe and Asia for its new to the market antibody screens and ID panels, helping you rule out and rule in antibodies. GPOs must like variety too, because Quotient has new contracts with Premier, Amerinet and GSA, saving you money. Find out how the one company focused on manual testing can serve you in 2013 and beyond. |
- Antidepressant shows promise for sickle cell disease
The antidepressant tranylcypromine was able to stop a mechanism that leads to the development of sickle cell disease in laboratory tests, according to a study in the journal Nature Genetics. The drug allowed the production of fetal hemoglobin in tests of human cells and animals, researchers said. MedicalDaily.com
(2/19)
- Complications in child transplants linked to immunosuppression
The use of newer immunosuppressive approaches in children who receive heart transplants is associated with a reduced risk of rejection but also certain complications, according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. With the newer approaches, "we seem to have traded early episodes of rejection for increased frequency of low white blood cell counts and anemia," Columbia University's Dr. Marc Richmond said. Medscape (free registration)/Reuters
(2/15)
- HCV drug from Gilead shows efficacy in late-stage trial
Patients with certain genotypes of hepatitis C who took Gilead Sciences' sofosbuvir in a late-stage clinical trial had cure rates of 50% at 12 weeks and 73% at 16 weeks, compared with the 25% historic cure rate among such patients. Sofosbuvir-treated patients with cirrhosis showed lower sustained virologic response, researchers said. Yahoo/Reuters
(2/19)
- More robotically assisted hysterectomies are performed in U.S.
The use of robotic-assisted hysterectomy for endometriosis, bleeding or fibroids increased substantially between 2007 and 2010, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The robotic procedure was more expensive and did not appear to have better outcomes or to reduce complications, including the need for transfusion, researchers said. Reuters
(2/19)
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Quality and Process Improvement Solutions are Just a Click Away
AABB Consulting Services can help you meet the requirements of any accrediting organization. Guidance is also available for: implementation plans, process flow, software issues, computer validation, compliance audits, vendor audits and custom projects. For more information, visit our web site or email consulting@aabb.org. |
| Emerging Trends |  |  |
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| Industry News & Practice | | |
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- List of biopharma's most influential leaders is released
The FiercePharma list of the 25 most influential people in biopharma includes representatives from the big drugmakers, including Sanofi, Roche Holding and GlaxoSmithKline, as well as individuals working at smaller drug companies. Also on the list were philanthropist Bill Gates, investor Dietmar Hopp and researchers Craig Venter and Bob Langer. Forbes
(2/19)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
ISBT 128 Cell Therapy Update
STEMSOFT™ Software Inc. and Digi-Trax® Corporation are pleased to announce the certified integration of the HemaTrax®-CT labeling system into StemLab’s™ leading cellular therapy software to produce ISBT 128 compliant, on demand CT labels. Learn more about how we can help you adopt ISBT 128 in your cell therapy facility today.
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| Government & Regulatory | | |
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- FDA issues draft guidance on third-party device review program
The FDA has released draft guidance on changes to its program to accredit third-party entities to review certain medical device applications. The draft guidance, based on the International Medical Device Regulators Forum's proposal to create a unified program for medtech auditors, covers compliance with the FDA Safety and Innovation Act, including a provision regarding third-party firm accreditation. Firms must seek reaccreditation every three years. Clinica (subscription required)
(2/19)
| Association News | | |
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Standards for Perioperative Autologous Blood Collection and Administration with guidance CD available in AABB Marketplace
The fifth edition of Standards for Perioperative Autologous Blood Collection and Administration is now available in the AABB Marketplace. The publication contains requirements that address perioperative collection and preparation of red blood cell and non-red blood cell components. Included with the book, on a CD-ROM, is the document "Guidance for Standards for Perioperative Autologous Blood Collection and Administration," which provides practical recommendations on how to meet the requirements of the standards.
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- Tuesday, February 19, 2013
- Monday, February 18, 2013
- Friday, February 15, 2013
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- Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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