News and Announcements
Red Cross Cell and Gene Therapy Starting Materials Now Available on Scientist.com
We’re excited to announce that Red Cross Cell and Gene Therapy Solutions can now be accessed through Scientist.com. This new channel makes it even easier for research teams to explore and request our specialized products. Explore our full range of allogeneic source materials, trusted by organizations advancing breakthrough cell and gene therapies, on Scientist.com and our product webpages.
Prepare Your LIS for New Platelet Product Codes
The American Red Cross is updating its platelet manufacturing process to increase efficiency and support a more sustainable blood supply. By early 2026, we will begin producing four platelet products from qualifying triple donations, an enhancement from the current standard of three.
To prepare for this upcoming change, hospitals will begin receiving the same platelet bags with an additional product code for the fourth unit. Please take action now by updating your Laboratory Information System (LIS) with the new product codes listed in the linked table.
A full list of product codes is available in the Hospital Partner Resource Guide (HPRG).
Advancing Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostics with American Red Cross Infectious Disease Blood Repository
The American Red Cross Infectious Disease Blood Repository (IDBR) is a curated collection of red cell and plasma samples confirmed positive for pathogens such as HIV, HCV, HBV, WNV, HTLV, Trypanosoma cruzi, Babesia spp., and syphilis. All specimens are screened using FDA-approved molecular and serologic assays, providing researchers and clinical laboratories with highly characterized materials to support diagnostic development, regulatory submissions, biomarker discovery, and technology validation.
As of July 1, IDBR samples are available for order through the Connect Order Management System, offering hospitals, academic institutions, and biotech companies access to verified positive specimens for assay validation, quality control, and research collaboration. Whether supporting translational studies or enhancing laboratory performance, the IDBR enables partners to work with confidence using well-documented, real-world specimens that meet rigorous quality standards. Learn more on our Infectious Disease Blood Repository webpage.
INTERCEPT® Fibrinogen Complex (IFC) A vital addition to your inventory for treating fibrinogen deficiency, offering consistent quality, extended shelf life, and improved logistics. Scheduled orders recommended, ad hoc ordering available.
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Events
DAT Negative Workups
Speaker: Paul Mansfield, MLS(ASCP)SBBCM, American Red Cross
Date: December 4
Empower Group O Care: A year in review
Speaker: Emily Coberly, MD, American Red Cross
Date: December 18
National Business Review
Speakers: Pampee Young, MD, PhD
Chris Hrouda, American Red Cross
Date: January 8
Case Studies from the World of RH
Speakers: Margaret Keller, PhD
James Gardner, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM, American Red Cross
Date: January 22
Media Messaging Toolkit
The American Red Cross welcomes participation of our hospital partners in the recruitment of blood donors, especially in times of critical shortages. For your convenience, we have made available prepared messaging and graphics that can be used to promote the need for blood donations.
Blood Supply Messaging Resource Guide
Inform and engage your staff and community about the need for refueling the blood supply through blood and platelet donations.
Blood Saves Lives: Helping People with Sickle Cell Disease
Inform and engage your staff and community about the need for diverse donors to help patients battling sickle cell disease.
PLUS Online
An Educational Resource for Transfusion Medicine
Practical Guidance for Prehospital Transfusion by Emergency Medical Services
The rapid expansion to 46 U.S. states underscores the growing acceptance of prehospital transfusion by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a lifesaving intervention, though implementation is heterogeneous across jurisdictions and dependent on medical oversight, logistics, and reimbursement. PLUS is highlighting two articles this month, beginning with a review by Levy et al 1 of the […]
Continue ReadingWhat Are CAR-T Cells and What Is the American Red Cross Doing About Them?
T-cells play a pivotal role in the immune system’s response to cancer. Unlike B-cells which make antibodies, T-cells act directly in a cell-to-cell fashion. CAR-T stands for chimeric antigen receptor T-cells. The word “chimeric” means having parts from two or more origins. To accomplish this, T-cells are collected from the blood of a patient or […]
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