7th Annual Red Cell Genotyping Symposium
The NIH Clinical Center Department of Transfusion Medicine (DTM), along with the BloodCenter of Wisconsin, co-hosted the 7th annual Red Cell Genotyping Symposium Sept. 27 on the campus of NIH. The symposium, titled "Patient Safety", reviewed the laboratory aspects and clinical benefits of red cell genotyping in patients and blood donors, contributing to patient safety. Dr. Willy Flegel, chief of the Laboratory Services Section of DTM, served as one of the moderators as well as a speaker. All topics presented were patient safety focused and included an opening talk about red cell genotyping and what resources are available and what is ideally needed presented by Zbigniew "Ziggy" M. Szczepiorkowski MD, PhD, FCAP of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center who is also the current AABB President. Three clinical vignettes were presented which involved using molecular techniques to help provide good clinical care to patients.
36th Annual Immunohematology & Blood Bank Symposium
The NIH Clinical Center Department of Transfusion Medicine and the American Red Cross co-hosted the 36th Annual Immunohematology & Blood Bank Symposium Sept. 28. Over 200 people gathered in Masur Auditorium to learn about recent developments, current practices, controversies and laboratory management issues relative to transfusion medicine.
At the symposium, Dr. David F. Stroncek, Chief of NIH Clinical Center Department of Transfusion Medicine's Cell Processing Section, received the Richard J. Davey Lectureship Award. The recipient is chosen by the symposium's planning committee and the award is given to an individual whose contributions have significantly advanced the field of transfusion medicine. Dr. Stroncek gave a lecture the clinical outcomes and manufacturing challenges of CAR T cells.
Other topics discussed included an update on the Zika virus and blood center and hospital implementation of pathogen-reduction of apheresis platelets. Three clinical vignettes were presented as well with focus on clinical practices and patient safety.
For more information please visit: http://www.cc.nih.gov/dtm/