New research publications: March 2026

Each month, our R.E.D. blog showcases the activities of our research and education network and the innovation and collaboration that drives our scientific community forward. Included in these activities are the peer-reviewed publications in academic journals that are a main avenue for researchers to share their scientific findings. With a focus on methodology and a rigorous review process prior to publication, these publications are recognized as credible and reliable sources of scientific information.

This blog – part of a reoccurring monthly recap – provides an overview of the latest research publications that have been authored by Canadian Blood Services staff scientists in discovery, development, medical microbiology and donation policy & studies; adjunct scientists; medical experts and trainees; and/or resulting from supported projects or partnerships.

Visit blood.ca to learn more about Our Research Team and to search our full publication database (updated annually).

By the numbers

For the month of March, we are reporting a total of 6 peer-reviewed research articles. Beginning April 1, 2026, the categories used in this section have been modified to better align with our research network’s current focus areas:

Medical microbiology (2): An observational study reports results from the first year of a multi-site nucleic acid testing initiative for Babesia in Manitoba, and a national survey provides insights on international testing practices for transfusion-transmitted malaria.

Other (4): An observational study reports results from the first year of a multi-site nucleic acid testing initiative for Babesia in Manitoba, and a national survey provides insights on international testing practices for transfusion-transmitted malaria. 

Where we published

Our research appeared in 3 journals, including Transfusion,Vox Sanguinis and Resuscitation Plus.

Spotlight on select publications

• Re-entry of donors deferred for false-reactive screening tests in Canada: 10 years post implementation.
  
  “Each blood donation is routinely tested for infectious disease to ensure blood safety. However, false reactive results can occur where there is interference with testing rather than true infection. The donor re-entry program allows those who have been deferred for false reactive or indeterminate test results to undergo a re-entry test after a six-month waiting period and resume donating if they test negative for all infectious markers. Our study examines the impact of the program on donor return since its implementation in 2014.
  
  Our results focusing on whole blood donations show that the program has resulted in the successful return of over 1,400 donors, many of whom have continued to donate for multiple years following re-entry. Improvements in donor recruitment and program awareness could result in greater impact, as just over one-third of eligible donors have participated to date.”
  
  Dr. Chinchin Wang, Canadian Blood Services senior research associate, donation policy and studies
   
• Using blood donor surveillance and clinical case data to shape our understanding of Babesia epidemiology in Manitoba, Canada.
  
  “Babesia is a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of an Ixodes tick but can also be transfusion transmitted. Climate change and expansion of Ixodes ticks into new Canadian ecosystems made us question the impact of Babesia on the blood supply. After doing a risk-based decision-making process on Babesia we started a multi-year nucleic acid test (NAT) surveillance program in 2024 starting with Manitoba.
  
  From July 11, 2024 to November 9, 2024, we collected and transported a special type of whole blood collection tube to the Surveillance and Discovery Laboratory. We tested the specimens with a Babesia NAT that directly detects the presence of parasite nucleic acid. Of the 13,608 (98%) whole blood donations tested by Babesia NAT, none were positive. Ultimately, we found that universal Babesia blood donor testing is not currently recommended in Manitoba blood donors.”
  
  Dr. Steven Drews, Canadian Blood Services director, medical microbiology

Our February publications list

This list includes any articles published this month, as well as those that have been e-collected or e-published on PubMed that have not previously appeared in our monthly publications list*.

• Re-entry of donors deferred for false-reactive screening tests in Canada: 10 years post implementation.
  Wang C, Drews SJ, Bigham M, Goldman M, O'Brien SF. Vox Sang. 2026 Mar 9. doi: 10.1111/vox.70233. PMID: 41802878
• Wellness testing in blood donation: A framework for responsible innovation.
  Jacobs JW, Raza S, Adkins BD, Costa V, Chooljian DM, Booth GS. Transfusion. 2026 Mar 7. doi: 10.1111/trf.70151. PMID: 41795145
• Rationale, development and feasibility of a national prehospital transfusion registry.
  Khattab N, Zweig N, Ahghari M, Da Luz L, McGowan M, Peddle M, Meirovich H, Khandelwal A, Lin Y, Nolan B. Resusc Plus. 2026 Jan 4;28:101211. doi: 10.1016/j.resplu.2025.101211. 2026 Mar. PMID: 41626219
• Harnessing big data and artificial intelligence in transfusion medicine: Opportunities for precision, safety and efficiency.
  Raza S, Goel R, Erikstrup C, D'Alessandro A, Custer B, Li N; ISBT BIG DATA Working Party. Vox Sang. 2026 Mar 22. doi: 10.1111/vox.70236. PMID: 41866232
• Using blood donor surveillance and clinical case data to shape our understanding of Babesia epidemiology in Manitoba, Canada.
  Drews SJ, Charlton CL, Ramirez-Arcos S, Jenkins C, Conrod V, Todd L, Bloch EM, Van Caeseele P, Stein D, Osmond L, Goldman M, O'Brien SF, Pambrun C. Transfusion. 2026 Mar 23. doi: 10.1111/trf.70179. PMID: 41872710
• Transfusion-transmitted malaria in India: A national survey of epidemiology and testing practices.
  Jacobs JW, Choudhury N, Arora S, Jindal A, Bhatnagar N, Basavarajegowda A, Shastry S, Chandra T, Daniel D, Drews SJ, Bloch EM. Vox Sang. 2026 Mar 30. doi: 10.1111/vox.70261. PMID: 41906713

*Items in this list are identified using a process that relies on the PubMed database. While we aim to capture all relevant research articles, limitations in database indexing and search parameters may occasionally cause articles to be missed. If you are the author of an article that you believe has been missed from this monthly list, or have recently published an article that you think may be possible to include in an upcoming post, we encourage you to contact us at centreforinnovation@blood.ca to inquire.

We are proud of the remarkable work being done across Canadian Blood Services’ network. Stay tuned for more blog posts as we continue to advance scientific discovery and innovation for the Canadian blood system.

Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact. 

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.