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Fourth Annual National Blood Collectors Week
AABB and Fenwal Inc. have teamed up to sponsor an event designed to celebrate the contributions of phlebotomists, apheresis operators and others involved in the process of blood collection. The fourth annual National Blood Collectors Week, which runs Sept. 14-20, offers facilities and communities the opportunity to recognize the vital role blood collectors play in securing a safe and adequate blood supply by creating positive experiences for donors.
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An Inside Look at Pathogen-Inactivation Methods
We have been trying to get rid of pathogens for a long time. In the 1860s we began heating milk through a pasteurizing process to kill off harmful bacteria. In 1948, pasteurization techniques were adapted and used to inactivate viruses in serum albumin in the blood. More recently, and with the advent of new nanotechnology, we have been able to create minuscule filters that can filter out pathogens that are too big to pass through them.
Current pathogen-inactivation, or PI, methods target pathogens more directly, by killing or inactivating them before they can replicate and cause havoc. Broadly speaking, PI methods today work though two main strategies: either by targeting the pathogens’ lipid membranes or by interfering with their nucleic acids.
Pathogens such as HIV or the hepatitis C virus are enveloped by a membrane, much like a cell is. Specially formulated liquid solvents and detergents can help disrupt or destroy these membranes and kill the pathogen.
A different approach targets nucleic acids found in the DNA or RNA of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa (such as those causing malaria). Use of specialized chemicals can inactivate the pathogen by damaging or destroying its genetic material.
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Attendee and Exhibitor registration is now open
 September 12, 2008
BPAC Explores Alternative Malaria Deferral Criteria, Recommends New Safety Procedures forSeven-Day Platelets
U.S. Biovigilance Network Seeks Community Hospitals to Participate in Network Pilot
FDA Amends Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations for Finished Pharmaceuticals
NRC Seeks Nominations for Vacancies on Isotope Advisory Committee
FDA to Co-sponsor Workshop on Clinical Trial Requirements
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Featured Publication TRALI: Mechanisms, Management, and Prevention > MoreÂ
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AABB and Fenwal Sponsor Fourth Annual Blood Collectors Week |
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AABB Weekly Report - September 12, 2008 |
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Latest Developments to be Highlighted at AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO in October |
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The National Blood Foundation (NBF) Announces Recipients of the 2008 NBF Scientific Research Grants |
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Association Bulletin #08-04 - Strategies to Reduce Adverse Reactions and Injuries in Younger Donors |
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Summary of Draft Comments to be Submitted to TJC on Blood Management Performance Measures |
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Significant Changes to the Standards for Cellular Therapy Product Services, 3rd edition |
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Proposed 6th edition of Standards for Immunohematology Reference Laboratories |
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First Ever National Biovigilance Network in the U.S. Reaches $1 Million in Funding, Prepares for Fall Pilot Launch |
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2008 West Nile Virus Biovigilance Network |
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List of AABB-Accredited Facilities with Approved Variances for ISBT 128 |
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Instructions on Applying for an AABB Variance |
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