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.

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