| November 13, 2009 | News for the transfusion medicine and cellular therapy community |
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- Researchers propose new way to match cord blood for transplants
Dutch researchers are proposing that donated cord blood to be used for transplants be matched to recipients according to noninherited maternal antigens instead of human leukocyte antigens. In their study, patients transplanted with NIMA-matched cord blood were 40% less likely than those who didn't have any kind of match to have died three years following the procedure. Patients who had HLA-matched cord blood transplants were 60% less likely to have died compared with those who didn't have either kind of match. The researchers also said NIMA-matched cord blood engrafted faster and had lower incidence of graft-versus-host disease. Los Angeles Times/Booster Shots blog
(11/12)      
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| | 50% OFF AABB's CareerLink 30-day postings; FREE for Seekers!
Enjoy 50% OFF AABB's CareerLink 30-Day job postings thru November 30th. Visit THE job bank focused on the blood banking, transfusion medicine and cellular therapy communities. CareerLink brings together great job opportunities and great candidates; it's your one-stop resource. Click here and enter code 10S-BC9 for discount. | |
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- Global Fund raises $2.4 billion to combat diseases
The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria on Thursday announced that it has raised $2.4 billion to fund initiatives against the three diseases for the next two years. "We are seeing a tremendous demand for funding," Global Fund Director Michel Kazatchkine said. The fund said the programs it has supported have allowed for the treatment of 2.3 million HIV/AIDS patients and 5.4 million tuberculosis patients, as well as the distribution of 88 million treated nets for malaria prevention. Reuters
(11/12)
- WHO: Give antivirals early to groups vulnerable to H1N1 flu
The World Health Organization urged doctors to give antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, to at-risk groups, including pregnant women and young children, at the first sign that they have H1N1 flu to avoid serious complications. WHO said doctors need not wait for laboratory results to confirm the disease. The organization also said the advice applies to "otherwise healthy people who show progressive symptoms." Google/The Associated Press
(11/12)
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| | Protide Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Preserving life for tomorrow™
Protide Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a fully integrated organization devoted to the discovery, development and commercialization of technologies and processes in clinical cell therapy, transfusion medicine, cell engineering and transplantation. Click here to learn more. | |
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| Emerging Trends |  | |
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- Hospitals phase in standard point-of-care hardware
Selecting standard point-of-care hardware devices for use by doctors and nurses can be a challenge because of constantly evolving and changing technology. One Arkansas hospital, Baptist Health, is adopting a thin client strategy in which servers house applications, and users access them through devices such as low-cost PCs. Health Data Management
(11/11)
| Industry News & Practice | | |
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- Michigan Community Blood Centers to be called Michigan Blood
Michigan Community Blood Centers has announced that it will change its name to Michigan Blood to highlight its statewide presence and to draw attention to the urgent need for voluntary blood donation, particularly at a time when some donors would prefer to make paid plasma donations instead to cope with the recession. If people know that we serve their hometown hospitals, "it might make a difference in the choice they make," spokesman Jim Childress said. The Grand Rapids Press (Mich.)
(11/12)
- Georgia blood center to use DNA testing machine to screen blood
The Shepeard Community Blood Center in Augusta, Ga., is the only blood bank in the state to have a DNA testing device that will be used to screen blood for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. "When we collected the blood it took two days to get the blood on the shelves and shipped to the hospitals. Now we're going to be able to cut down by one day," CEO Kevin Belanger said. WAGT-TV (Augusta, Ga.)
(11/11)
- Sigma-Aldrich in global distribution deal with Stemgent
Stemgent has made Sigma-Aldrich a global distributor of its lentivirus-based delivery systems for induced pluripotent stem cells. The systems are targeted for researchers involved in reprogramming mouse and human cells into iPS cells for various applications, including regenerative medicine and disease research. GenomeWeb Daily News
(11/11)
| Government & Regulatory | | |
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- HHS allots ARRA funds to help reduce hospital-acquired infections
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has allocated up to $9 million to help combat health care-acquired infections in ambulatory surgical centers through information technology. The funds, which are provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be used for surveying 1,300 ASCs across the country using an infection control device developed by the CMS and CDC. Healthcare IT News
(11/11)
- Hamburg says FDA works to address problems at device unit
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said the agency is seeking a new chief for the device unit and is working to address issues related to the division, including reviewing the 510(k) process. "We are working on some important issues that will benefit industry and benefit the ultimate outcome of our regulatory procedures, including making sure we have a robust internal review process," Hamburg said at the Reuters Health Summit. Reuters
(11/12)
| Association News | | |
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1 week remains to submit proposals for 2010 Annual Meeting educational programs
Only one week remains to submit proposals for educational programs to be presented at the 2010 AABB Annual Meeting. Consideration will be given to 90-minute programs and three-hour programs that focus on technical/clinical, scientific, quality/education, cellular therapies and leadership management topics. Proposals must be submitted by Nov. 20. Submit a proposal.
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