Upcoming Symposium Will Focus on Addressing Platelet Insecurity

AABB, the American Red Cross and Yale University invite members of the transfusion medicine community to attend a complimentary symposium on addressing platelet insecurity. This virtual program will take place from 12:15 to 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 18.

Through the program, the organizations aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by blood centers, hospitals and military services due to unpredictable platelet inventories and highlight proactive measures that health care professionals can adopt to mitigate this looming health challenge.

The agenda will unfold in three parts. First, the program will focus on the reality or perception of platelet insecurity. During this section, experts from the United States, the U.S. military and international partners will describe their perspectives on platelet availability and inventory management.  

Next, the program will shift to explore hospital-based solutions to address platelet availability. Presentations will focus on the use of extended pathogen-reduced platelets, surge capacity and cold-stored platelets.

The program’s third section will focus on threats to platelet availability. Subject matter experts will explore how emerging pathogens, climate change, mass casualty events and novel cancer therapies all affect the availability of and demand for platelets. The program will conclude with a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Registration is complimentary. Those with questions may contact the American Red Cross via email.