Highlighting the 7th Annual Workshop and the 21st Annual ORBCoN/CBS Transfusion Medicine Educational Symposium

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!