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).
Supporting Hospital Readiness During the 2026 Global Soccer Tournament
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 is now underway, the Red Cross is leveraging the full strength of its organization and partnerships with local and state agencies to support national readiness. We have increased blood inventory, prepositioned supplies, and activated an operations center to strengthen logistics and support hospitals in host cities and surrounding areas.
We are also proactively supporting non-host regions to ensure continuity of supply nationwide. Close collaboration with hospital partners remains critical to managing increased demand and maintaining a stable blood supply during this period.
Please continue to monitor the Connect homepage for the latest inventory status and real-time updates. Log in to Connect.
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Educational Resources
Upcoming Events
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Blood Administration in the Hospital Setting: Adults
July 2, 2026
Speaker: Kelly Kezeor, MLS(ASCP)American Red Cross
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Basic Pretransfusion Laboratory Testing
July 16, 2026
Speaker:Kelly Kezeor, MLS(ASCP)
American Red Cross
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Training for competency and Retention
August 6, 2026
Speaker:Gale Suwe, MS, MLS(ASCP)SBB
Loyola Medicine
PLUS Online
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Single-center evaluation of low-titer group O whole blood in non-trauma civilian patients
A Level I academic trauma center recently published clinical and transfusion data regarding the use of low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) in adult, civilian non-trauma patients with severe hemorrhage, an area of limited published literature.1 The goal was to see if LTOWB could be safely used with outcomes comparable to previously published data regarding […]
The post Single-center evaluation of low-titer group O whole blood in non-trauma civilian patients appeared first on Red Cross Plus Online Blog.
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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.
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.