Written by: Alexis Iob – NE Regional Project Coordinator, ORBCoN 

Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network (ORBCoN) and Canadian Blood Services (CBS) co-hosted the 7^th Annual Wet Workshop on April 22^nd, 2026, and the 21^st Annual Transfusion Medicine Educational Symposium on April 29^th. ORBCoN and CBS hosts these education sessions to provide information on best practice in blood transfusion to all healthcare staff from small rural hospitals to tertiary care centres. Over the past 20 years these events have become highly anticipated, drawing attendees provincially, nationally, and internationally. Participants value the opportunity to access up-to-date information, and the learning experience the symposium/workshop provides. 

About the workshop: 

This year’s Wet Workshop“Antigens & Antibodies: The Red Cell edition 2026” was led by Dr. Johnathan Mack (CBS), Chris Kong (CBS), John Wall (CBS) and Kimberly Schonewille (ORBCoN). The main workshop objectives were to:

• Enhance knowledge of principles of immunohematology for ABO and non-ABO blood groups.  
• Apply immunohematologic techniques to investigate serologic problems.  
• Interpret results of immunohematologic testing to inform clinical decision-making.  

Participants were able to choose from three tiers; each tier was tailored to varying levels of complexity for the different laboratories that may be performing the workshop testing. Each registered site received samples with a case study containing tier specific questions. The sites were given a dedicated amount of time to complete the testing, questions and submit their answers. The answers were discussed on April 22^nd at the Wet Workshop Discussion Sessions led by Dr. Johnathan Mack and Chris Kong. The discussions were open to both those who completed the lab testing and those who wanted to attend just the discussion session.  A total of 213 people submitted the tier case studies, and 122 people attended the discussion sessions. For those who were unable to attend the discussion sessions, a recording is available to view on our website. 2026 ORBCoN/CBS Wet Workshop 

About the Symposium: 

This year’s symposium was titled “Optimizing Immunoglobulin Therapy: Patient Suitability, Stewardship Strategies and Navigating Reactions”. The symposium was held on April 29^th with a morning session and an afternoon session. A total of 781 people registered for the symposium. The symposium’s learning objectives included:

• Understanding the immunoglobulin replacement products available in Canada.  
• Identify which patients would be appropriate for Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) and describe how SCIG is administered.  
• Manage adverse reactions that occur with immunoglobulin infusion.  

The virtual format facilitated widespread participation, allowing hospital staff from all over to benefit from the expert-led presentations. The symposium was accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of Family Physicians for 2.75 Mainpro credits.   

The symposium was comprised of three presentations, followed by a Q&A session with the presenters.  

• Presentation #1 – Immunoglobulin G: A Canadian perspective on its use, supply, and relevant initiatives.
• Presented by:
  •  Dr. Kathryn Weber a Medical Director with Canadian Blood Services and an Associate Professor with the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.  
  •  Dr. Caitlin Jones an Associate Director of Utilization on the Plasma Protein and Related Products (PPRP) Formulary Program at Canadian Blood Services. She is a pharmacist by training, with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality.  
  • The learning objectives for this presentation: 
    1. Explain immunoglobulin, what it is used for, and its proposed mechanisms of action, and formulations. 
    2. Discuss the utilization trends of Ig. 
    3. Discuss the production, procurement, and supply of Ig. 
    4. Describe examples of Canadian Blood Services’ support for appropriate utilization of Ig products. 

• Presentation #2 – Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Practice: Patient Selection, Dosing Strategies, and Home Infusion Program
• Presented by:
  • Dr. Juthaporn Cowan, Associate Professor at The University of Ottawa, an Infectious Diseases physician at The Ottawa Hospital, and Associate Scientist at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. She currently serves as the medical lead for the Ontario Immunoglobulin Treatment Program (ONIT), 
  • The learning objectives for this presentation: 
    1. Identify primary and secondary immunodeficiency conditions that warrant Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) treatment. 
    2. Employ standardized Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) dosing and share SCIG infusion best practices. 
    3. Describe the Ontario Immunoglobulin Treatment (ONIT) program as an example of a clinical program facilitating home-based Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) treatment. 

• Presentation #3 – When Good Antibodies Go Bad: Adverse Reactions to Immunoglobulin Therapy. 
• Presented by:
  • Nour Alhomsi, Technical Specialist/TSO- Hamilton Health Sciences & St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
  • The learning objectives for this presentation: 
    1. Recognize and differentiate adverse reactions to IVIG and Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) therapy. 
    2. Apply protocols and strategies to minimize infusion related side effects. 
    3. Ensure timely documentation and reporting of adverse reactions through engagement in broader communication pathways.  

The presentations provided comprehensive, and current information relevant to all professionals who work in healthcare. 

If you missed the live event, the presentations are available here 21^st Annual TM Education Symposium.  

ORBCoN would like to thank all the speakers, participants and organizers who helped curate another wonderful event.  

We look forward to seeing everyone at our 22^nd Annual ORBCoN/CBS TM Education Symposium next year!  

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Donna Berta, RN, BScN

Access Pre & Post Transfusion Knowledge Questions and Answers with Rationale here

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Presented by:  Dr. Jeannie Callum

Evaluation Survey:

Link: May 28, 2026 U of T Transfusion Medicine Rounds

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Optimizing Immunoglobulin Therapy : Patient Suitability, Stewardship Strategies and Navigating Reactions.

April 29th, 2026

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Antigens and Antibodies: The Red Cell Edition 2026 April 22nd ,2026

Tier 1:

Tier 2:

Tier 3:

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Presented by:  Dr. Michael F. Murphy

Evaluation Survey:

Link:  https://orbcon.limesurvey.net/682136?lang=en

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Written By: Troy Thompson MLT BAHSc (Hons) ORBCoN Program Manager

Founded in 2006 with support from the Ministry of Health, the network was created to bring an organized, integrated approach to blood management. For twenty years, ORBCoN has advanced the Ontario Blood Utilization Strategy through five core pillars: Utilization of blood components and products; Educational resources; Inventory management; Communication; and Quality and safety.

The network has been building a stronger, safer, and more connected transfusion community across the province and has expanded significantly to build a provincial system of transfusion education, utilization and inventory management tools and fostered a multidisciplinary network of experts dedicated to evidence-based practice and resource optimization.

Education That Elevates Practice

From the addition of nursing and physician clinical project coordinators roles and the annual collaborative hospital site visits, to the widely recognized Bloody Easy series of handbooks to eLearning courses such as: Bloody Easy Lite, Bloody Easy Blood Administration, and the Technologist Assessment, ORBCoN continues to support hospitals in transfusion medicine by providing continuing education, resources to help meet laboratory accreditation requirements, guidance on standards and blood regulations, and initiatives that strengthen transfusion safety by promoting the appropriate use of blood components and products.

Stewardship That Makes a Difference

Inventory and utilization management initiatives have dramatically reduced red blood cell (RBC) outdates. RBC outdates dropped from 2.4% (10,000 units) in 2006 to below 0.5% (less than 2,500 units) every year since 2007.  This demonstrates an ongoing commitment from Ontario hospitals and the network to ensure blood components and products will continue to be available to the patients that require them.

Other major initiatives include the Provincial Redistribution Program, Ontario’s first Massive Hemorrhage Protocol (MHP), blood utilization audits, and the Transfusion Quality Improvement Plan, which helped launch the Choosing Wisely Canada Using Blood Wisely campaign. These initiatives have provided provincial and national strategies to improve blood inventory, utilization, and patient safety.

A Central Hub for Transfusion Excellence

ORBCoN’s website has become a central hub for education, presentation/events, tools, and clinical resources, ensuring equitable access and supporting standardized, evidence‑based transfusion practices.

With the ever-changing technology landscape, we hope to promote the adoption of technological advances provincially and nationally to maximize efficient data capture and analysis to better lead strategic quality improvement efforts and subsequent monitoring of these activities.  Stay tuned for our MHP quality metrics dashboard coming soon!

As we celebrate two decades of progress, we look forward to continuing to innovate, collaborate, and lead the way in transfusion leadership, safety and stewardship.

A Community Effort: Thank You

We would like to thank all Ontario Transfusion Medicine Services and the network’s multidisciplinary expert registry who have contributed to this work.

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Written by: Rebecca Barty, MLT, BA, MSc Regional Manager, Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network (ORBCoN- Southwest Region) | McMaster University (Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research) CSTM Vice President & Co-Chair 2026 CSTM Conference [Hamilton ON]

The Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) is an interprofessional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in transfusion medicine for all Canadians. Its vision is to inspire and promote safe transfusion practices; to promote quality and provide guidance for hospital transfusion services; to facilitate opportunities for education and research in transfusion medicine; and, to cultivate regional, national, and international partnerships with key stakeholders.

CSTM is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, guided by the Society’s mission, vision, and by‑laws. The Board includes the Past‑President, President, Vice‑President, Secretary, Treasurer, Regional Directors (Central, Eastern, and Western), and two Directors‑at‑Large (English and bilingual), providing a broad range of expertise and perspectives. The CSTM has a volunteer Conference Coordinator position that oversees the annual conference and supports the annual conference working groups and subcommittees with planning and execution.

Each year, CSTM recognizes excellence within the transfusion community through four annual awards and additional educational bursaries, acknowledging members who make significant contributions to transfusion medicine.

CSTM is proud to support ongoing professional development through virtual educational events held three to four times annually, complemented by a flagship in‑person annual conference. The 2026 annual conference theme, “Cascading Connections,” reflects the transformative impact of shared ideas, meaningful relationships, and collaboration across the transfusion medicine community. The program emphasizes donor and patient perspectives, emerging topics, and critical issues facing the field. Together, these sessions foster new insights, inspire innovation, and encourage partnerships that extend well beyond the conference itself. Hamilton Ontario will welcome conference delegates from June 4-7^th.

CSTM advances its work through member‑led subcommittees, which translate strategic priorities into action across key areas of transfusion medicine. These include the Canadian Obstetrical and Pediatric Transfusion Network, the Transfusion Safety Network, the Standards Working Group, and the Specialist in Transfusion Science committee.

Community and mentorship are central to CSTM’s culture. The Society provides a national forum that connects transfusion medicine professionals across disciplines and geography. Through conferences, education, and committee involvement, members engage in shared learning, mentorship, and collaboration—strengthening transfusion practice and supporting excellence in patient care nationwide.

Benefits of being a CSTM member include engagement with clinical, technical and scientific leaders, members-only preferred rates and funding opportunities for the annual conference, access to the ISBT resources as an affiliate member, opportunities to volunteer on the Board or committees, participate in stakeholder surveys and attend the CSTM annual general meeting.  Membership provides exclusive access to the CSTM Standards for Hospital Transfusion Services and CSTM Education Day presentation recordings in English and French (when available).

Reference:

Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine. CSTM landing page [Internet] Markham, ON: CSTM; 2026 [cite 2026 March 31]. Available from:  https://transfusion.ca/

Acknowledgment Statement: Microsoft Copilot was used in the editing and refining of this document. In addition, the CSTM Board of Directors reviewed and made and further editorial changes.

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Presented by:  Dr. Nadia Gabarin & Neeru Sahni

Evaluation Survey:

Link: https://orbcon.limesurvey.net/157514?lang=en

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Donna Berta, RN, BScN

Access Pre & Post Transfusion Knowledge Questions and Answers with Rationale here

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