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| November 16, 2009 |
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Red Cross uses mobile technology to increase blood donations
The Red Cross Blood Services, South Central Division, has started a mobile media program that will let people register to receive real-time alerts on blood inventory levels and blood donation information, as well as schedule donation appointments and locate blood drives. "By offering the texting option to donors, the Red Cross will deliver relevant content anywhere, anytime, on demand, nurturing a one-to-one relationship," a mobile technology expert said. The Muskogee Phoenix (Okla.) (11/13)
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2 units of cord blood could cut risk of leukemia recurrence
U.S. researchers found that transplanting acute leukemia patients with two units of umbilical cord blood instead of just one significantly reduced their risk of disease recurrence. The discovery could alter the practice of using just one unit of cord blood to treat patients most likely to have recurrence of leukemia and other diseases related to the blood and bone marrow. New Kerala (India)/Asian News International (11/14)
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H1N1 flu pandemic affects Canadian blood supply
The Canadian Blood Services estimated that in the past six weeks, about 700 blood donation appointments had been canceled every week in part because some mobile clinic locations were needed for H1N1 vaccinations. The blood services is also preparing for high donor, volunteer and staff absenteeism in the coming weeks because of the flu season. The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia)/Canwest News Service (11/13)
Warfarin test software gaining popularity in New Zealand
The INRonline management system, a software that allows patients on the blood-clot drug warfarin to monitor their blood clotting factor online, has made it as one of the 10 finalists in the New Zealand Focus on Health Challenge, which is facilitated by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. One trial showed the software helped patients improve disease management 80% of the time. Manawatu Standard (New Zealand) (11/16)
Health experts use technology from ESRI to monitor H1N1 flu
National and local health departments, including the CDC, have started using a geographic information systems technology from ESRI to determine the areas with the most H1N1 flu cases. The data system will help experts identify the areas that need the most vaccines and control the disease, an expert said. Redlands Daily Facts (Calif.) (11/14)
Fate Therapeutics raises $30M from financing round
Fate Therapeutics said it has raised $30 million from a series B funding round headed by OVP Venture Partners. The company is studying a method that employs small molecule drugs to turn adult stem cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. San Diego Business Journal (11/16)
Medicines Co. might conduct more trials on cangrelor
Medicines Co. might conduct new and larger trials of intravenous blood thinner drug cangrelor in consideration of promising data on survival and blood clots. The drug failed previous trials because it did not meet main study goals, but it also showed it can significantly reduce overall mortality and blood-clot incidents related to new stents. In the event of new trials, the drug might show improved results if it is administered to patients through longer intravenous infusions, researchers said. Reuters (11/15)
Proposed Medicare Commission would ration care
The proposed Medicare Commission might transform U.S. health care into a system that puts the interests of the government and not the patients first, according to this Wall Street Journal opinion piece. The commission also threatens to stifle innovation with its objective to recommend cheaper treatments first and go after "sources of excess cost growth" in medicine, potentially undermining physicians' judgments. The Wall Street Journal (11/15)
CMS reports increase in Medicare quality incentive payments in 2008
The CMS issued $92 million in incentive payments to 85,000 doctors and other qualified practitioners who demonstrated Medicare quality reporting under its 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative, up from $36 million to 56,700 providers in 2007. "The substantial growth in the national total for PQRI incentive payments demonstrates that Medicare can align payment with quality incentives," said Charlene Frizerra, the agency's acting administrator. Government Health IT magazine (11/2009)
FDA clears first rapid test for bacterial contamination in pooled platelets
The FDA on Friday cleared for marketing the Platelet PGD Test System, the first rapid test for the detection of bacterial contamination in pooled platelets derived from whole blood. Manufactured by Verax Biomedical, the Platelet PGD Test System is intended for use as a quality control test just prior to a patient blood transfusion. Learn more.
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