The American Red Cross Blood Services - New England Region is your ultimate resource in terms of medical and technical information within the blood banking community.
Our goal is to make available basic fundamentals as well as the latest breakthroughs in transfusion medicine.
If you have a need for specific references not included on this site, please email your request to our Medical Office.

American Red Cross Visual Inspection Guide
A photo atlas to help hospital staff perform visual inspections of blood units. Visual Inspection Guide information.

ISBT 128
4/1/2006 - Important information! - Tools and Information To Ensure A Smooth Transition from Codabar to ISBT 128.

RED CROSS MODIFIES POSITION ON UNIVERSAL LEUKOREDUCTION - July 03
The top priority of the American Red Cross is the safety and availability of the blood supply. Clinical studies indicate that leukoreduced products provide many benefits for patients including a reduction in transfusion reactions and a decreased risk of antibody formation. The American Red Cross continues to believe leukoreduced blood products may lead to better patient outcomes. After serious consideration, however, a decision has been made to offer both leukoreduced and non-leukoreduced red cells to hospitals. More information

RESOURCES
• The Advisor - Our guide to services offered by the New England Region and reference manual for medical, technical, emergency and procedural issues. (PDF file)

• Forms - Download a copy of many of the forms used in reporting information and requesting services from the American Red Cross.

• "Immunohematology" - Journal of Blood Group Serology and Education
Immunohematology is published quarterly (March, June, September, and December) by the American Red Cross, National Headquarters,Washington, DC. Download the current version of Immunohematology.
Access back issues of Immunohemtology.

• Transfusion Practice Guidelines for Adults - Recommendations of the Medical Advisory Committee of the American Red Cross Blood Services - New England Region

• Practice Guidelines for Blood Transfusion: A Compilation from Recent Peer Reviewed Literature - A composite of current blood usage guidelines from experts and expert panels. This booklet contains information from the results of significant clinical transfusion trials published in peer-reviewed journals since 1991. It is designed to be a resource to the physician, nursing and laboratory staff of hospitals as they develop and update their blood usage guidelines for the purpose of improving transfusion safety. (PDF file)

• Transfusion Medicine Updates:
Quarterly Updates on practical issues in Transfusion Medicine for hospital blood bank staff. A service provided by the American Red Cross Blood Services, Greater Alleghenies.

LINKS TO OTHER PROFESSIONAL SITES
Secure Professional Website - New England Region (Password required)