Vein-to-vein Analysis and Linkage of Donation Attributes and Transfusion Effects in GEMINI
(VALIDATE-GEMINI)
Vein-to-vein databases are linkages across data for donors and recipient of blood
components and crucial for surveying transfusion utilization. Although data along this
continuum are currently tracked in Canada, they are non-linked and it can be logistically
prohibitive to perform comprehensive linkages in a timely, feasible, and sustained manner.
In the context of blood shortages, this limits blood utilization surveillance to brief crosssectional studies and anecdotal information and impedes data-driven policy interventions to
address shortages.
The primary aim of the current project is to show feasibility of unit number-based linkage
between blood component characteristics (e.g. ABO type) and patient-level data for
transfusion recipients in the GEMINI hospital network to understand blood utilization at 31
hospital sites in the province of Ontario.
If successful, the linkage will serve CBS strategic priorities by enhancing digital
infrastructure and informing the delivery of optimal treatment for patients. Additionally, it will
enable larger projects to examine on-going demand forecasting, evaluate new component
launches, surveillance for emerging pathogens, and study drivers of blood shortages to
improve the efficient and appropriate utilization of blood components.
components and crucial for surveying transfusion utilization. Although data along this
continuum are currently tracked in Canada, they are non-linked and it can be logistically
prohibitive to perform comprehensive linkages in a timely, feasible, and sustained manner.
In the context of blood shortages, this limits blood utilization surveillance to brief crosssectional studies and anecdotal information and impedes data-driven policy interventions to
address shortages.
The primary aim of the current project is to show feasibility of unit number-based linkage
between blood component characteristics (e.g. ABO type) and patient-level data for
transfusion recipients in the GEMINI hospital network to understand blood utilization at 31
hospital sites in the province of Ontario.
If successful, the linkage will serve CBS strategic priorities by enhancing digital
infrastructure and informing the delivery of optimal treatment for patients. Additionally, it will
enable larger projects to examine on-going demand forecasting, evaluate new component
launches, surveillance for emerging pathogens, and study drivers of blood shortages to
improve the efficient and appropriate utilization of blood components.
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
RAZA, Sheharyar
Co-Investigator(s) / Trainee
ALAM Asim,
RAZAK, Fahad
VERMA, Amol
CALLUM, Jeannie
ARNOLD, Donald
Institution
University of Toronto
Program
Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program
Province
Ontario
Total Amount Awarded
$29,983
Project Start Date
Project End Date