Transfusion Medicine
The blood transfusion laboratory is responsible for distribution of all blood products, including plasma fractions in the hospital. Tests performed include routine compatibility testing and special immunohematology tests e.g. Isohemagglutinin titres, phenotyping, Donath-Landsteiner tests etc. Manipulation of blood products e.g. aliquoting, plasma depletion, washing makes up a large part of the work in a pediatric centre. The objective is to provide blood products that meet the highest possible standard. This is achieved by periodical review of current methods and evaluation of new methods, collecting and analyzing statistics regarding usage of products. Staff are encouraged to attend professional meetings, lectures and continuing education courses.
All volunteer blood products are supplied by Canadian Blood Services. SickKids participates in the Canadian Blood Services Autologous and Directed Donation Programs. As well, SickKids has a hospital-based autologous program for patients who are too small for Canadian Blood Services Autologous Donation Program. Depending on the size of the patient, up to four partial or full units may be collected prior to elective surgery. A pilot project is underway to assess if the technique of normovolemic hemodilution can be safely used to increase the amount of autologous blood predeposit.
Dr. Wendy Lau
Director, Transfusion Medicine
Paediatric Laboratory Medicine
The Hospital for Sick Children
Phone: 416-813-5440
email: wendy.lau@sickkids.ca
Salvatore Matteliano
Manager
Paediatric Laboratory Medicine
The Hospital For Sick Children
Phone: 416-813-5899
email: salvatore.matteliano@sickkids.ca