Pathogen Reduction and Blood Component Safety:
Critical Issues and Decision Making
July 31 – August 1, 2003
Masur Auditorium, National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD
Sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Co-sponsored by: the American Association of Blood Banks, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross
This day-and-a-half workshop will address key issues facing the blood collection community as it moves toward implementation of methods to reduce or eliminate pathogens from blood for transfusion. The proposed methods offer great promise in improving blood safety, but may generate additional risks or concerns and may require significant resources.
Session highlights include:
* Known and emergent pathogens
* Inherent risks associated with these procedures
* Cost and reimbursement
* Broad legal, ethical and social issues involved
* Clinical trial status of pathogen reduction methods
* Toxicological aspects of the approaches
* Policies and mechanisms involved in funding the implementation of these technologies
Through directed panel discussions, attendees will participate in a learning experience that focuses on summarizing the proceedings and developing guidance for the future.
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