About Transfusion Evidence Library
The Transfusion Evidence Library is a database of systematic reviews (since 1980) and randomised controlled trials (since 1950) relevant to transfusion medicine.
It is fully searchable, updated monthly and aims to be a key resource for medical practitioners, policy makers and researchers both in the UK and around the world.The Library is produced by the Systematic Review Initiative, supported by the UK Blood Services.
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AREAS COVERED
- Blood donors and donation practice
- Fractionated blood products
- Management of anaemia
- Red cells, platelets, FFP, granulocytes, cryoprecipitate
- Transfusion adverse events
- Transfusion alternatives
- Use of blood components
USING THE LIBRARY
Learn how to effectively use the Evidence Library by using the following resources:
COHRANE COLLABORATION
The
Cochrane Collaboration has officially endorsed the database, recognizing it as a “unique, evidence-based resource for the transfusion medicine community”.
The Systematic Review Initiative
The Transfusion Evidence Library is produced by the
Systematic Review Initiative
(SRI), a clinical research group established by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in 2001 and funded through the four UK Blood Services (please see below). It is based within NHSBT's Oxford Blood Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital and has developed close links with both the hospital and the University of Oxford.
The primary objective of the SRI is to “develop the evidence base for the practice of transfusion medicine”. So far, we have completed more than 30 systematic reviews in the transfusion field and have undertaken several other evidence-based medicine research projects, including overviews of the use of red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma. Alongside producing systematic reviews, other core activities of the group include handsearching all transfusion-related conference proceedings and producing the Transfusion Evidence Library.
The core SRI team comprises three transfusion medicine/haematology clinicians, two information specialists and two clinical researchers. It is supported by an independent steering committee consisting of representatives from relevant professional bodies and clinical experts from the UK and North America. This committee helps the SRI to identify topics and priorities for new systematic reviews and for the Transfusion Evidence Library.
SRI and ISBT Collaboration
The SRI is currently collaborating with the
International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT)
to create the new, quarterly Transfusion Evidence Round-Up.
This will highlight high quality evidence studies about an internationally relevant subject in the field of Transfusion Medicine. All references featured in the Transfusion Evidence Round-Up are selected by ISBT members and drawn from the Transfusion Evidence Library and where relevant
Stem Cell Evidence.
Our Funders: UK Blood Services
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NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT)
is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. Its remit includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS in England and North Wales. It is also the organ donor organisation for the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.
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The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service
is a Special Agency of the Health and Social Care Service for Northern Ireland. Its core function is the provision of blood and blood components to meet the needs of patients in Northern Ireland and to the highest quality and safety specifications.
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The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, a strategic business unit of NHS National Services Scotland, is the specialist provider of transfusion medicine in Scotland, supplying high quality blood, tissues, cells and services. Working with communities, hospitals and professionals to ensure that the donor's gift is used wisely and effectively for the benefit of patients, our key priority is to ensure that NHS Scotland has enough blood to meet the transfusion needs of patients in Scotland.
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The Welsh Blood Service (WBS)
is a division of the Velindre NHS Trust. Its remit is to provide and manage services relating to the collection, screening and processing of blood and its constituents and to the preparation and supply of blood, plasma and other blood products. The WBS also operates a stem cell donor registry and NEQAS (H&I).