Civilian Utilization of Whole Blood, Leukocytes Reduced

[October 4, 2023 Update: Draft recommendations have been attached to this site. Any comments or questions may be addressed to the site administrator at cyrus.eduljee@blood.ca]

The National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products is conducting a survey of Canadian healthcare providers to gather perspectives on the non-military use of Whole Blood, Leukocytes Reduced in Canada.

In October 2022, Health Canada approved Whole Blood, Leukocytes Reduced to be manufactured and distributed by Canadian Blood Services (see FAQs for additional product information). However, this product will increase pressure on the blood supply, particularly products from Group O donors, and due to the limited evidence of clinical effectiveness, Whole Blood, Leukocytes Reduced is currently available only for military use.

A subcommittee of the National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products has been formed to evaluate and plan for the non-military use of Whole Blood, Leukocytes Reduced and is seeking input from Canadian practitioners. Following ethics review, stakeholder input, and taking into account pragmatic considerations regarding supply, the NAC subcommittee will provide specific recommendations for the introduction of Whole Blood, Leukocytes Reduced for non-military use, including clinical versus research use, patient groups (pediatric, trauma, surgical, and pre-hospital) and monitoring of outcomes (utilization, wastage, safety, effectiveness, impact on utilization of other blood products).

To share your perspectives on Whole Blood, Leukocytes Reduced, please click on the survey link below. Registration is not required but is strongly encouraged using the registration link at the top right of the page.