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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Educational Resources
Upcoming Events
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Competency Assessment: Creating a program that meets compliance standards
May 7, 2026
Speaker
Gale Suwe, MS, MLS(ASCP)SBB
Loyola Medicine -
Empower Group O Care: Thoughtful use of blood to support organ perfusion
June 4, 2026
Speaker
Laura Dilly, MD
University of California, San Diego
PLUS Online
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AABB/ICTMG International Platelet Transfusion Guidelines
The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) and the International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines (ICTMG) recently published an international clinical practice guideline on the use of platelet transfusions.1 Platelet transfusion is a common procedure with approximately 2.2 million performed annually in the United States.2 The guideline notes that the decision […]
The post AABB/ICTMG International Platelet Transfusion Guidelines appeared first on Red Cross Plus Online Blog.
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Alternatives to DEHP as plasticizers in blood bags
For nearly 70 years, blood product collection and storage bags for whole blood and red blood cell (RBC) storage have been manufactured with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) to increase flexibility. Because of potential toxicity, alternative plasticizers are being implemented. The Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative recently reviewed actions to this end and made recommendations […]
The post Alternatives to DEHP as plasticizers in blood bags appeared first on Red Cross Plus Online Blog.
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Strengthening Blood Supply Resilience Through Group O Stewardship: A Year of Empower Group O Care
Group O blood types—particularly O negative—are among the most vital and most constrained resources in the U.S. blood supply. As demand for these products continues to rise amid a changing donor landscape, responsible stewardship has become essential to maintaining a resilient and reliable blood supply. To address this challenge, the American Red Cross launched the […]
The post Strengthening Blood Supply Resilience Through Group O Stewardship: A Year of Empower Group O Care appeared first on Red Cross Plus Online Blog.
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.