Blood donation and transfusion is a vital part of medicine in the treatment of hundreds of thousands of patients
annually, and maintaining an adequate blood supply is an ongoing challenge as blood and derived blood products
have limited shelf life. In the United States alone, estimates are that over 24 million whole blood and
blood-derived products are transfused each year.[18] Also, perhaps a more important factor regarding maintaining
the blood supply of the future is that it is dependent solely on volunteer donors as the source
(US, varies by country).[19] Increasing restrictions on the donor pool related to infectious agents, more
effective screening, the discovery of new pathogens, and changing donor eligibility and criteria are squeezing
the donor supply.[20] Fortunately, however, recent emphasis on patient blood management and appropriate blood
utilization has been effective in reducing demand and maintaining adequate blood supplies for future patients
in need.
The Research Institute is one of the largest blood-center-based transfusion medicine
research programs in the U.S. and is among the leading programs in the world with respect to
transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases. Our distinguished investigators are dedicated to advancing blood
safety worldwide through scientific research, education and the promotion of evidence-based policies, testing
strategies and cutting-edge technologies.
Numerous grant-funded studies, supported by the National Institutes of Health, the FDA and the CDC, among others,
are conducted within our facilities in collaboration with scientists at multiple universities and blood
organizations.
