Lets Talk Patient Blood Management

Not all blood donations are the same, andnot every donor experience is straightforward. In this episode, we lean on the expertise of Joel Addams,MD, MA, FCAP, Medical Director of Clinical Pathology, to walk through what reallyhappens before, during, and after you donate blood. From the questions you’ll be asked to why you might be turned away, we unpack the critical differences between screening and testing, what ensures the safety of the blood supply, and where ethics come into play. But this conversation goes further. Through the lens of Patient Blood Management, wechallenge the assumption that donating blood is always a simple “yes”—and instead explore how donors and clinicians alike can make informed, thoughtful decisions. Because this isn’t just about giving blood. It’s about understanding it. Have a story or concern about blood donation ethics? Shareit in the comments. We’re listening and may feature it in a future episode.

In this episode, MaryAnn and Dr. Caroline Alquist delve intothe complexities of HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) and its critical role in patient blood management. They discuss how HLA serves as a genetic fingerprint that influences transfusion outcomes, the importance of avoiding unnecessarytransfusions, and the ethical considerations surrounding blood donation. Theconversation also highlights advancements in HLA testing technology and thesignificance of donor diversity in improving blood health, particularly for minority communities. Dr. Alquist emphasizes the need for patient advocacy and understanding of HLA testing to ensure better health outcomes. Takeaways: HLA is crucial for understanding immune responses intransfusions. Transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM) can affectpatient outcomes. Avoiding unnecessary transfusions is a key goal in patientblood management. HLA typing is essential for patients requiring specializedtransfusions. Increasing donor diversity is vital for matching patientseffectively. Virtual cross-matching technology enhances organ allocationefficiency. HLA typing can predict patient responses to certainmedications. Blood is a limited resource, and careful management isessential. Let's Talk PBM Website:https://letstalkpbm.com/ Check out Dr. Alquist's podcast here: https://youtu.be/QUzsbEG1k-w?si=MLFCYT8zuFVRneKW

In this episode, Syreeta Wright, author, patient advocate, and true warrior, shares what it’s like to live with sickle cell. From the excruciating crises, losing the ability to walk, fighting to avoid donor blood, and the medical trauma incurred as a child. She speaks plainly about feeling violated when her choices were overridden, and how that experience stillaffects her life. Syreeta explains why sickle cell is not a “Black disease,” how that harmful label helped justify neglect, and why research and resources are still far behind where they should be. She also shows how patient blood management and bloodless medicine became her path; building her own blood, using alternatives, and becoming an exceptionally informed patient who refuses to accept “standard care” without questions. Syreeta creates a children’s book series to help kids see themselves as warriors, not victims. If you’re a patient, parent, grandparent, clinician, or anyone who has ever felt ignored by the medical system, this conversation will challenge, educate, and inspire you to advocate fiercely for your own body. 🔗 Check out Syreeta’schannel and her “World Warrior” songs here: https://www.youtube.com/@WelcomeToTheWorldWarrior Let's Talk PBM Website: https://letstalkpbm.com/ Music: Iron and Grace – Music provided by SUNO AI No Copyright. Bent but Unbroken-Music by Syreeta Wright AI-generated. No Copyright

What if one of the most common hospital treatments is quietly putting patients at risk? In this powerful conversation, internationally recognized transfusion specialist Dr. Ivo Beverina reveals the uncomfortable truth about blood transfusions, how outdated habits continue to drive medical decisions, and the very real risks patients face when blood is overused. From emergency departments overwhelmed with anemic patients to hospitals that reduced plasma use by 90% simply by changing culture and education, this episode exposes the systemic challenges and the extraordinary opportunities inside modern healthcare. You’ll discover: If you are a patient, clinician, nurse, leader, or advocate, this conversation will change how you see transfusion forever. Because the right care isn’t always more blood. It’s better medicine. Let's Talk PBM Website : https://letstalkpbm.com/ Read Medical Articles: A Synchronized Approach between emergency department and anemia clinic to intravenous iron treatment for very severe (Hb <7.0 g/dL) and extreme (<5.0 g/dL) iron-deficiency anemia: short-, medium- and long-term efficacyand safety analysis Efficacyof a strict surveillance policy towards inappropriateness of plasma transfusion Song: Your Blood Your Health - Music provided by SUNO AI No Copyright Music.Link

In this conversation, Maria Silvestri shares her personal journey during her pregnancy and discusses the challenges of advocating for herself within the healthcare system. The discussion highlights the importance of patient education, awareness of blood health, and the need for better management of anemia and iron levels during pregnancy. Maria emphasizes the significance of being proactive in healthcare and utilizing available resources to ensure optimal health for both mother and baby, especially as she prepares for the postpartum period.Let's Talk PBM Websitehttps://letstalkpbm.com/Song: DayFox - In The NowMusic provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.Video Link: • DayFox - In The Now (Vlog No Copyright Music) #anytimemusic8809

In this episode of Let’s Talk PBM, hosts MaryAnn and Christine sit down with Francesco Viola, PhD and Bruce Spiess, MD of HemoSonics to discuss how innovative technology is transforming blood management in the operating room.You’ll learn how real-time coagulation testing is improving patient safety, reducing transfusions, and saving lives.Let's Talk PBM Websitehttps://letstalkpbm.com/0:00 – Introduction2:00 – Donor Blood Product Types Explained3:20 – Adverse Outcome Risks With Donor Blood4:30 – The Shotgun Approach5:23 – Wasted Blood Is Bad For Everybody7:00 – My Best Blood Is My Own Blood7:56 – Viscoelastic Testing: How The Blood Evolves From Liquid to Solid8:47 – Technology That Sees The Whole Picture8:52 – Not All Viscoelastic Instruments Are Created Equal10:28 – Expanding the Use of Viscoelastic Testing12:54 – Viscoelastic Instruments Relegated To The Closets15:56 – The Evolution and Expansion of Viscoelastic Testing17:24 – Bleeding is Emotional18:14 – Bruce’s Personal Mission: Ridding the world of FFP22:18 – Point of Care Coagulation Testing Performed Next To the Patient23:51 – Definition of Patient Blood Management Is Centered Around The Patient24:36 – Can Bleeding Be Predicted?26:34 – TakeawaysSong: DayFox - In The NowMusic provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.Video Link: • DayFox - In The Now (Vlog No Copyright Music) #anytimemusic8809

This conversation explores the vital role of nurses in Patient Blood Management (PBM), leadership, the challenges they face, and the importance of mentorship and education. The discussion highlights the need for standardized practices across healthcare systems and the qualities necessary for effective nursing leadership in PBM. The speakers advocate for nurses to take initiative and lead in this critical area of patient care, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and trust in healthcare practices. Let's Talk PBM Websitehttps://letstalkpbm.com/ 00:00 The Role of Nurses in Patient Blood Management 01:57 Nursing Leadership in PBM Implementation 04:10 Who's Training PBM Nurses? 05:51 Canada's National Approach to PBM. 0:19 Socialized Medical Practices Mean Sharing PBM Success! 14:18 We Are Getting there! 14:40 Comparing Nursing Roles in Canada and the U.S. 14:40 Expert PBM Nurses As Consultants to Grow PBM Nursing Specialty 17:53 The Importance of Mentorship in Nursing 19:02 Building Trust and Patient Empowerment 22:27 Recognizing the Patient Blood Management Nursing Specialty as a Specialty 26:12 Characteristics of Successful Patient Blood Management Leaders 32:00 Becky's hope for the future

Ever wondered if a blood transfusion actually improves how you feel? In this episode, we dive into the world of quality-of-life research in transfusion medicine. Dr. Micah Prochaska—both a Humanities enthusiast and a leading voice in patient-centered outcomes—shares what current studies reveal, where the gaps remain, and why measuring quality of life is far more complex than it seems.Tune in for a fresh perspective on how we define “feeling better,” and why that matters for patients, clinicians, and the future of blood management.Subscribe and follow to learn more about your blood organ system—and how supporting it can transform health.Let's Talk PBM Website https://letstalkpbm.com/JAMA - Transfusion Strategy Effect on Quality of Life in Patients with Myocardial Infarction and Anemiahttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2834876NCBI.NLM - Transfusion Strategy Effect on Quality of Life in Patients with Myocardial Infarction and Anemiahttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40459491/0:16 – Introduction: Micah Prochaska, Health Outcomes Researcher1:07 – Transfusion Education in Medical Training Is Lacking3:20 – Who Should Treat Anemia6:18 – Transfusion Effect on Quality of Life10:51 – Surprising Findings in Quality of Life Research11:34 – How Does One Define Quality of Life?19:05 – Geographic Regions and Culture Affect Perception of Quality of Life25:14 – What Doctors say vs What Doctors Do26:48 – Patients Must Be Their Own Advocates29:02 – Conclusions and TakeawaysSong: DayFox - In The NowMusic provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.Video Link: • DayFox - In The Now (Vlog No Copyright Music) #anytimemusic8809

In this conversation, Katherine DiPalo, Pharm.D. discusses the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare, particularly in managing heart failure and iron deficiency. She explains the differences between pharmacists and medical doctors, the challenges faced by patients with heart failure, and the importance of team-based care in improving patient outcomes. The discussion highlights the need for recognition of pharmacists as healthcare providers and the impact of iron deficiency on heart health. SABM – Iron Corner: https://www.sabm.org/welcome0:00 – Introducing Dr. Katherine DiPalo0:28 – Understanding the Role of Pharmacists8:45 – Heart Failure Explained12:10 – Symptoms of Heart Failure | Symptoms of Iron Deficiency13:28 – Iron Deficiency and Heart Health15:11 – Oral Iron vs. IV Iron24:47 – SABM – Iron Corner25:55 – The Importance of Team-Based Care https://letstalkpbm.com/

In this conversation, MaryAnn, Sarah, and Dr. Ajay Gandhi discuss the critical aspects of Patient Blood Management (PBM), focusing on its barriers, the role of policymakers, and the importance of public awareness. Dr. Gandhi emphasizes the need for patient involvement in driving Patient Blood Management in healthcare. The discussion also touches on misconceptions surrounding blood management and the ethical considerations of blood donation practices. Have you ever participated in a blood drive? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! Hit like and subscribe to join our education and awareness campaign to make Patient Blood Management a standard of care in every healthcare facility! Follow Us: Let's Talk PBM Website https://letstalkpbm.com/

In this conversation, Dr. Ryan Metcalf discusses the newly published 2025 AABB and ICTMG clinical practice guidelines for platelet transfusion. He explains the role of platelets in the body, the need for updated guidelines, and the collaborative effort behind the recommendations. The conversation covers significant changes in the guidelines, the importance of implementation, and the risks associated with unnecessary transfusions. Dr. Metcalf emphasizes the need for patient empowerment in discussions about transfusions and the overall goal of improving patient outcomes while minimizing risks. Takeaways Platelets are crucial for hemostasis and vascular integrity. The new guidelines were developed collaboratively by AABB and ICTMG. There are 11 total recommendations in the updated guidelines. The guidelines emphasize a restrictive transfusion strategy. Implementation of guidelines is as important as their creation. Transfusions carry risks, including adverse events. Patient empowerment is key in transfusion discussions. The guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes and minimize harm. Diverse expert input was included in the development of the guideline. The process of creating the guidelines took two years.Follow Us: https://letstalkpbm.com/

This conversation explores the evolution and current practices in Patient Blood Management (PBM), highlighting the journey of Dr. Pierre Tibi in the field. The discussion covers the importance of education, advancements in surgical techniques, and the role of various tools such as viscoelastic testing and topical hemostatic agents. The speakers emphasize the need for a shift in perspective regarding blood transfusions and the significance of early intervention in managing bleeding patients. Takeaways Networking with colleagues in PBM is invaluable. Dr. Tibi's journey into PBM began with a unique patient case. The understanding of blood management has evolved significantly over the years. Surgeons are increasingly aware of the risks associated with blood transfusions. Education is crucial for both medical professionals and patients. Viscoelastic testing provides real-time insights into coagulation status. Topical hemostatic agents play a vital role in controlling bleeding. Cell salvage techniques are essential in modern surgeries. Early intervention is key to improving outcomes for bleeding patients. Patient blood management practices are becoming standardized across institutions. A special COUPON CODE for our listeners: LETSTALKPBM Please use this code when purchasing your copy of BLOOD WORKS: An Owner's Guide https://bloodworksbook.com/ Website: https://letstalkpbm.com Facebook: / letstalkpbm Instagram: / letstalkpbm If you have any questions or comments, please email us: hello@letstalkpbm.com

Description: In this conversation, Lorena Costa Correa, a hematologist from Brazil, shares her insights on blood health, the role of hematologists, and the impact of cancer treatments on blood production. She emphasizes the importance of understanding blood dynamics, the necessity of patient blood management, and her journey through cancer treatment. The discussion also covers the significance of iron and nutritional deficiencies, the controversies surrounding erythropoietin use, and the implications of transfusion practices on patient outcomes. Keep Up to Date With Us By Following Our Website And On Social MediaWebsite: https://letstalkpbm.com Facebook: / letstalkpbm Instagram: / letstalkpbm

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Gustaaf de Ridder discusses the significance of understanding blood types, particularly the ABO and RHD systems, and their implications for transfusion practices. The discussion highlights the importance of O negative blood as a universal donor type, ethical considerations in blood transfusion, and the need for effective patient blood management to ensure optimal outcomes and resource allocation. The conversation emphasizes the need for public awareness regarding blood types and the risks associated with mismatched transfusions while advocating for responsible stewardship of blood resources. Listen to Dr. deRidders' previous episode on the importance of informed consent! https://open.spotify.com/episode/34Xz7ZLQrtY8d7s2id9WcO?si=50fAxWGHRciFBC2sCC5K8g Follow Us: Website: ⁠⁠https://letstalkpbm.com/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠ / letstalkpbm ⁠ Facebook: ⁠ / letstalkpbm ⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkpbm?i..

In this conversation, Erika Tyburski shares her personal journey with anemia, detailing her experiences from childhood through pregnancy and how these experiences motivated her to pursue a career in medicine and biomedical engineering. She discusses the challenges of managing anemia, particularly during significant life changes, and how these challenges inspired her to develop innovative solutions for anemia management through her company, Sanguina. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding anemia, the need for accessible health technology, and the future of blood health monitoring Learn More About SANGUINA: Sanguina Website Keep up to date with Let’s Talk PBM Website: ⁠https://letstalkpbm.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠ / letstalkpbm ⁠ Facebook: ⁠ / letstalkpbm ⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠ / let-s-talk-patient-blood-management ⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkpbm?i..⁠. ANEMIA-THON ⁠ https://worldanemiaawareness.com/anem... ANEMIA-THON SIGN UP FORM ⁠https://forms.gle/nUcduZQE5Gf6Mjqm6⁠ More than 2 billion people are suffering from anemia, find out more about World Anemia Awareness here: ⁠https://worldanemiaawareness.com ⁠

Join Sarah and MaryAnn in an inspiring conversation with Dr. Bernd Froessler, a trailblazer in Patient Blood Management from Australia! Discover how Dr. Froessler’s journey from Germany to Australia shaped his passion for redefining blood management practices. This episode highlights the evolution of PBM protocols in obstetrics to groundbreaking advancements in cell salvage techniques. Hear his compelling insights on the pivotal role of primary care physicians in optimizing blood health and why empowering patients to take charge of their health is important. Dr. Froessler also shares actionable strategies for educating both medical professionals and patients to drive better outcomes. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, patient advocate, or just curious about how PBM is transforming modern medicine, this episode will leave you informed and inspired! Read the research and work of Bernd Froessler and Colleagues: Postoperative anaemia increases unplanned readmission: an international prospective cohort study of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery Iron deficiency in PREVENTTPerioperative Anemia Management as Part of PBM in Cardiac Surgery - A Narrative Updated ReviewAnaemic parturient and the anaesthesiologist: Are we asleep at the wheel? Association between routine cell salvage use for lower segment caesarean section and post-operative iron infusion and anemia ANEMIA-THON https://worldanemiaawareness.com/anem... ANEMIA-THON SIGN UP FORM https://forms.gle/nUcduZQE5Gf6Mjqm6 More than 2 billion people are suffering from anemia, find out more about World Anemia Awareness here: https://worldanemiaawareness.com Keep up to date with Let’s Talk PBM Instagram: / letstalkpbm Facebook: / letstalkpbm LinkedIn: / let-s-talk-patient-blood-management TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkpbm?i...

In this episode, MaryAnn and Sarah discuss the implementation of Patient Blood Management (PBM) with Majed Refaai and Christine Cahill from the University of Rochester. They explore the journey of establishing a PBM program, the importance of education and coordination in transfusion medicine, and the role of key champions in driving success. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs faced in improving patient care through effective patient blood management practices. This conversation emphasizes the importance of staff training, follow-up care, and the challenges faced in data management and education. Dr. Refaai and Christine advocate for blood health education in medical training and utilizing electronic health records to enhance patient safety. They also address the care of patients who decline transfusions highlighting the successes they achieved. They leave key takeaways for both patients and healthcare providers. Don't miss this episode that illuminates how important the partnership of Physicians and Nurses is in leading best blood health outcomes for the people they serve! ANEMIA-THON https://worldanemiaawareness.com/anem... ANEMIA-THON SIGN UP FORM https://forms.gle/nUcduZQE5Gf6Mjqm6 More than 2 billion people are suffering from anemia, find out more about World Anemia Awareness here: https://worldanemiaawareness.com

In this episode, Sarah & Mary Ann celebrate the third season of their podcast during Patient Blood Management Awareness Week. They welcome Kaycie Atchison, a transfusion safety officer, who shares her journey from being a blood bank laboratory scientist to her current role. The conversation delves into the importance of laboratory professionals in patient care, the critical nature of quality and safety in blood banking, and how appropriate transfusions can significantly impact patient outcomes. Kaycie emphasizes the need for collaboration between clinical staff and lab professionals to enhance patient blood management and improve healthcare quality.

Dr. Rounak Dubey, doctor and researcher, discusses the use of AI in healthcare, specifically in patient blood management and transfusion. He shares his journey of becoming involved in patient blood management and highlights the role of AI in improving clinical decision-making. Dr. Dubey emphasizes that AI is a tool that can provide clinicians with additional options and support, rather than replacing human expertise. He also addresses AI fears and underscores the need for cautious optimism. Dr. Dubey shares examples of how AI has helped him in clinical assessments and decision-making. He discusses the implementation of AI in healthcare and the importance of maintaining a clinician's oversight. Dr. Dubey encourages an open-minded approach to AI. Articles: International Society of Blood Transfusion survey of experiences of blood banks and transfusion services during the COVID‐19 pandemic Patient Blood Management and its Role in Supporting Blood Supply

Send us a textIn this conversation, Dr. Stephen Frank from Johns Hopkins discusses the importance of correcting iron deficiency in patients prior to surgery. He presents the findings of a study that compares outcomes in patients who received either red blood cell transfusion or intravenous iron infusions before surgery. The data across two decades demonstrates the superiority of managing and optimizing the patient's blood versus using donor blood replacement. Dr. Frank emphasizes t...