Outcomes Research Consortium - Blood Transfusion

Blood Transfusion

A study published by Consortium members in 2008 identified a strong association between the age of transfused blood and complications after cardiac surgery. Transfusion of red blood cells stored for more than two weeks also increased the risk of death after cardiac surgery by 30% — an increase that was still apparent more than two years after surgery. These results call into question current blood banking practices, and underscore the need to prevent deterioration of stored blood and improve blood donation and transfusion strategies. The group is currently conducting several studies of transfusion practices. Consortium transfusion research has been covered by the Boston Globe and the Los Angeles Times .