Course Overview:

In this one-day, virtual and interactive course, we will provide an update on various scientific, technical, and clinical aspects of transfusion medicine. Experts in the field will share their take on recent or interesting literature, as well as their valuable experience, on new usage of blood components, the role of transfusion medicine in conditions such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, transfusion reactions, blood compatibility and challenges in feline blood transfusion including xenotransfusion.

The canine and feline sections of the course will each conclude with a video on practical aspects of blood collection in dogs and cats, followed by a round-table discussion between the presenters to debate controversial aspects of transfusion medicine and address any unanswered questions.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Describe the characteristics of fresh frozen plasma and its derivatives and choose the most appropriate product for a given patient.
• Explain the benefits, limits, and potential risks of transfusion therapy in specific conditions, such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia.
• Recognize and manage the various clinical presentations of transfusion reactions, as well as investigate them.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different crossmatch techniques and implement the most suitable one for your clinical context.
• Discuss the most appropriate course of action when faced with an incompatible crossmatch result.
• Describe best practice in terms of blood collection in dogs and cats.
• Describe and discuss current topics in feline transfusion medicine, and explain the circumstances in which xenotransfusion may be a reasonable option, while being aware of the inherent risks.

RACE Information

Live, Virtual course registration: this program has been approved for 7.0 of live, interactive-distance continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE-approval.

On Demand Course registration: this program has been submitted (but is not yet approved) for 7.0 of anytime, non-interactive-distance continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE-approval.

Participants should be aware that some state boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Please contact your state board directly with any questions.