New Transfusion Monthly Podcast Focuses on Heavy Metals in Blood Donors

In the latest episode of the Transfusion Monthly Podcast, former investigators from Canadian Blood Services joined to discuss their recent study examining levels of heavy metals like lead, mercury and cadmium in Canadian blood donors. 

In their conversation with host Yara Park, MD, study authors Narges Hadjesfandiari, PhD, and Katherine Serrano, PhD, discussed their findings of elevated metal concentrations in donors residing near landfills or industrial areas. They addressed the need to balance blood safety with donor availability, suggesting that blood collectors could redirect donors with high lead levels to donate platelets or plasma instead of red blood cells. Additionally, they recommended considering lead level testing for these donors. 

The discussion also touched on important considerations for neonates and the logistical challenges of the study. The authors emphasized the importance of understanding historical industrial contamination and its impact on workers and families. 

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