The CSTM Board revised the Education Subcommittee Terms of Reference in 2023 to focus on the provision of virtual education sessions. This blog series seeks to highlight both the Education Subcommittee and the various virtual events hosted throughout the year. For information on upcoming and past virtual evens, check out the
CSTM Virtual Education Days webpage.
Author: Nicole Gettle (CSTM Vice President 2023-2025)
CSTM held another fantastic virtual education day on October 30, 2024, entitled ‘Ghastly Reactions’. The event was well attended with over 260 guests in the audience.
CSTM was so pleased to present one of the sessions
en francais with English translation! This is our first Education Day recording that was presented with an English translation adding a valuable experience to our English speaking only members. A big ‘Thank You’ to our volunteer translator, Louis Berube!
Widad Abdulwahab – Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO)
Our first Ghastly Transfusion Reaction session was presented by Wedad Abdulhahab. Widad provided a most informative talk about TACO reactions. She helped the audience to understand the pathophysiology of a TACO reaction and the criteria involved in the diagnosis of the same. She thoroughly covered recommended investigations for when a patient is experiencing a potential TACO reaction, and the therapeutic interventions used as well. She increased our understanding of risk factors for TACO and strategies to prevent these events.
Jessyka Deschene – Transfusion Reaction: Hema-Quebec’s Perspective
The second Ghastly Transfusion Reaction session was presented by Jessyka Deschenes, and she delivered an amazing presentation around Hema-Quebec’s role in Transfusion Reactions. She discussed Risk Management, including risks for both donors and recipients, Theoretical Risks, and Demonstrated Risks. Jessyka also discussed selection criteria for the safety of recipients and the recent changes made to increase the donor pool. She covered transfusion reactions to blood products and gave excellent specific information around TRALI, bacterial contamination, and major allergic reactions. There was also excellent information regarding management of recipients who have Anti-IgA (which would cause a ghastly reaction indeed!). The process for reporting and communication of transfusion reactions in Quebec. Jesskya rounded out the session with information about plasma protein products/derivatives and reactions to those.
After each presentation of Ghastly Transfusion Reactions, there was a live question and answer period, where there was much enthusiastic audience engagement. Overall, this was another spectacular educational event!
Stay tuned for more CSTM Education Days in 2025, which are tentatively scheduled for February 12, July 16, and November 5. As well, all CSTM members can access the recordings of previous virtual education events on the CSTM Members page!
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