Description
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) convened a Working Group (WG) of invited external experts including transfusion medicine, hematology, and immunology research scientists, blood service executives and blood bank directors, as well as end users of transfusion including intensivists and trauma experts. The meeting was held in conjunction with the annual NHLBI RFA 08-005 "Immunomodulatory, inflammatory and vasoregulatory properties of transfused red blood cell units as a function of preparation and storage" grantee's meeting at the Bethesda offices of the NHLBI on August 30 and 31, 2011. The purpose of this Working Group was to provide recommendations to the NHLBI that guide informed decisions on research objectives and priorities in the field of Transfusion Medicine with particular emphasis on the emerging questions related to the optimal storage of red blood cell products. The Working Group was responsive to NHLBI Strategic Plan Goals 2 and 3.