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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016
OUR
RESEARCHERS
DO TREMENDOUS
AND VALUABLE
WORK
Message from the chair and chief executive
Foreword
The year in review
TranslationProject outcomesQuality of research outcomesPublicationsR&D Highlights
Research program 2015-2016
Researchers Meet our research leadersDonor behaviourDonor health and wellbeingProduct development and storageProduct safetyProduct usage
Appendix 1: publications and invited presentations
Peer reviewed journal articlesPeer reviewed published abstractsInvited external presentationsInternal presentationsBooks and other materialsInternational database listings
Appendix 2: grants
Grants Active 2015-16New Grant Applications: Successful
Appendix 3: abstracts accepted for conference oral or poster presentations
Appendix 4: student projects
Appendix 5: collaborations
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CONTENTS
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
2
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Having both joined the organisation in early 2016, we are continually impressed by its collaborative, continuous improvement culture where our people hold the patient, donor and donor family at the heart of our thinking.
The Blood Service works as one team striving to be at the leading edge of improving the lives of patients, and critical to this is our Research and Development Team.
Our researchers do tremendous and valuable work. They collaborate with colleagues across the Blood Service, Australia and the world, and their results are recognised in a record number
of publications. Importantly, they combine scientific rigour and practical needs so we deliver on real world outcomes.
Our ability to translate and implement research results into robust practical solutions is both exciting and essential to bringing us closer to operating at the leading edge of national and international blood operations. This includes impressive advancements in areas such as providing frozen blood to the Australian Defence Force, improving the matching of donors and patients, and securing our blood supply with better ways to recruit and retain donors.
Research and Development at the Blood Service is well positioned to keep improving the lives of patients. This team’s experience and operational nous shine through in the many collaborations it fosters with industry, clinicians, academic researchers and health and blood sector organisations.
We are so proud of this team’s achievements over the past year which you can discover in this report. We look forward to the continued building of capabilities, expertise and knowledge, that will allow the Blood Service to provide even more value to the research community in the future, both through our individual work and partnerships as we strive to keep finding better ways to save and improve the lives of people.
Shelly ParkChief Executive
James Birch AMChair
It is our pleasure to introduce the 2015-2016 Annual
Report from the Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Research and Development Team.
Our Governance
R&D at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service undergoes regular reviews of scientific content, strategic direction and governance.
An R&D Framework has been developed in consultation with governments to guide our research direction. The framework outlines the scope of research activities at the Blood Service, defines the governance of the program and guides consultation and collaboration between the Blood Service and its stakeholders. As part of this framework, all R&D project proposals are submitted for independent peer review to a Research Advisory Committee consisting of local and international experts in the blood sector.
Outcomes from research projects are reported annually to the National Blood Authority, and published in peer reviewed journals.
HOW R&D SUPPORTS THE BLOOD SERVICETARGET: Translate more than 75% of research outcomes into changed practice or learnings.
Donor behaviour
Investigate ways to recruit, motivate and retain donors.
Donor health and wellbeing
Examine how to improve the donation experience and keep our donors happy and healthy.
Product development and storage
Explore ways to process blood more efficiently, improve storage life and reduce waste.
Product safety
Identify emerging risks and develop ways to measure and control them.
Transplantation and immunogenetics
We optimise the match between organ donors and patients.
Product usage
Analyse how donor variation, product processing and storage can improve patient outcomes.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
FOREWORD
Research and Development at the Blood Service
has had another record year, building on last year’s
strengths, and moving forward into new collaborative
ventures. Our research outcomes have contributed
to all aspects of the business and ensured that
decision makers have access to a strong evidence
base for policy making in areas from donor
recruitment and selection to transfusion practice.
4
Innovation, to be located at the University of Queensland (funded by the Australian Research Council) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence, known as APPRISE (Australian Partnership for Preparedness Research on Infectious Disease Emergencies).
To ensure our R&D program continues to grow into the future and to enable benchmarking with our international colleagues, this year we have reviewed our Key Performance Indicators, and are undertaking a review of our overarching strategy for the next five years. Input has been received from Executive, Board, Advisory Committee and others. Taking this feedback into account, along with a report we have received from an independent external consultant, we are now working with a small advisory group of prominent researchers to prepare our proposed update to the R&D Strategy.
This Annual Report highlights the key achievements of 2015-2016, which form a firm foundation for an exciting future of innovation.
David O. Irving Director, R&D
R&D business outcomes are on track with 100 percent of research projects completed in 2015/16 being translated into changed business practices or learnings. This year our research has inspired a new strategy to help first time donors manage their anxiety, explored methods to extend the shelf life of blood products, informed the risk management of Ross River virus and tracked the fate of thousands of O negative blood units in the health system.
Blood Service researchers have published 64 research papers in peer reviewed journals this year, continuing the significant growth in research output over the last five years, and breaking the record we set last year. In line with our strategic plan, there is a continuing growth in the number of publications written in collaboration with local and international collaborators. Our researchers continue to be recognised by their peers through selection for presentation at local and international conferences, with Blood Service researchers presenting a total of 53 conference presentations, 24 of which were international. In addition to these conference presentations, a further five invited presentations were made overseas to specialist groups, working parties and blood operators.
Collaboration and innovation are key to developing new diagnostics and treatments. We are proud to be part two new major collaborative Centres: the Centre for Biopharmaceutical
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
TRANSLATION
5
Translation of research outcomes into improved practice within the Blood Service and the health sector more broadly is a major focus for our research team. This year research projects have been translated into results across the organisation, to target donor recruitment, innovate in manufacturing, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients. As part of our R&D’s contribution to the Blood Service Strategic Plan, we aim to translate 75 percent or more of research projects into improved business practice or learnings. Our projects not only contribute to local changes in business practice, but inform clinical guidelines, quantify risk and build knowledge as a foundation for future development. In the 2015-16 year we completed 13 projects, all of which were translated into changed business practice or learnings that are applicable either internally or more broadly in the blood sector. These project outcomes are listed on the following page in Table 1.
Not all translations of research into outcomes will be apparent immediately at the conclusion of a project. One example of this is a donor anxiety research project which was completed in 2013. In 2015-2016, in collaboration with the Blood Service marketing team, this work has led to the introduction of a new business practice to assist new donors (described on page 23).
Translation of our results into the broader health sector is important if we are to improve outcomes for patients, and influence global
practice. We are increasing our global impact through stronger engagement with collaborators in Australia and overseas, and by broadening the dissemination of our research results in the research community and to the general public. We can track our impact in these spheres by a number of measures, including publication counts and citation indices. While the measures described here provide some indication of the translations of our research outcomes, no single measure will ever capture the full impact of our research projects. The metrics on the following pages, along with descriptive research highlights, provide a portrait of a research and development group whose impact is clearly on the rise.OUR PROJECTS BUILD
KNOWLEDGE AS A FOUNDATION
FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
6
PROJECT OUTCOMES
The projects completed in 2015-2016 have led to outcomes that have helped the Blood Service and the Blood Sector across a range of areas. The key outcomes from our projects this year are summarised below.
Completed project outcomes for 2015-2016 Translation category Key Outcome
Business practice
confirmed, change
recommended or potential
alternative suggested
• A study of markers of Hepatitis E (HEV) infection has been carried out. The vast majority of
overseas-acquired HEV infections in Australia were in travellers retruning from countries already
subject to travel-related donation restictions for malaria. This suggests that the potential for
transfusion transmitted HEV from overseas-acquired HEV in Australia is adequately managed
by existing Blood Service travel related deferrals.
• The transfusion-transmission of Ross River virus (RRV) in Australia is adequately managed
through existing donation restrictions and recall policies.
• The maternal blood test to assess the fetal RhD blood group was transferred to the Red Cell
Reference Laboratory in the Manufacturing Division in January 2016. This test will assist
in the management of pregnancies at risk of haemolytic disease of the newborn.
• A study of staff and donor attitudes to the use of techniques to avoid donor vasovagal reactions
has been used to inform an intervention trial targetted to reduce vasovagal events in 2016-2017.
• The READ approach to delivering education on the use of post-donation iron supplementation
was operationally feasible and well received by staff and donors.
• The DIRECT approach to providing iron for post-donation iron supplementation was operationally
feasible and well received by staff and donors.
• The suitability of an automated red cell washer (the ACP 215) has been confirmed, and conditions
for its use have been defined.
• Materials designed to inform the African-Australian community about blood donation have been
produced in consultation with the community. The Blood Service now has a series of posters,
booklets and videos that are available in English, Arabic, Swahili and Kirundi. The research
suggested that although the materials were well received, the targeted program did not directly
increase new donors from within the African community.
Learning applicable
internally only
• The stability of serum eyedrops was tested in the existing packaging system, and an alternative vial
system. The stability of the drops in both cases was suitable for further studies. As part of this study,
growth factor concentrations were measured in serum from a range of healthy donors.
Learning applicable to
the broader blood sector
as well as internally
• Genetic markers can be associated with high and low ferritin levels.The findings of this study provide
support that genetic testing may, in future, allow the Blood Service to tailor management strategies to
individual donors, based on their genes.
• All three biomarkers of dengue infection (antibodies, RNA and surface protein) can be detected
using a test developed in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and
Nanotechnology and the Institute for Molecular Bioscience.
• New proteins essential to red cell biology have been discovered. This has led to the development
of a new proposal to discover targets for new biopharmaceuticals directed at infectious diseases,
such as malaria, that target red blood cells.
• Cellular markers have been found that are associated with the outcomes of IVIg treatment in patients
with neurological disease. A larger patient cohort would be required to assess the specificity of this
test in predicting clinical outcomes for these patients.
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
7
PARTNERS IN INNOVATION Blood Service researchers are partners in a successful $4.3 million bid for an Industrial Transformation Training Centre, funded by the Australian Research Council. This centre is one of only six industrial transformation centres announced nationally across a range of industries, and is one of only two in the health sector. The centre, known as the Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation (CBI), aims to transform Australia’s growing biopharmaceutical industry by training industry –ready postgraduates and post-doctoral fellows.
Research at the CBI will focus on developing and manufacturing new biologically based therapies and training a cohort of specialist scientists in industry relevant research.
The Centre will be based at the University of Queensland, integrating industry partners CSL (Australia’s largest biotechnology company), Patheon Biologics (a major international Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO), and Australia’s first large CMO of biopharmaceuticals), GE Healthcare (a supplier of high tech equipment and instrumentation), and the Blood Service.
This collaborative centre gives Blood Service R&D the opportunity to explore research at the interface of the blood sector and industry, such as new reagents for blood typing, diagnostics and therapies. It contributes to our strategic objective of increasing collaboration, and raises the profile of Blood Service R&D in the Australian Life Sciences community. The CBI will support 14 PhD students and five post -doctoral fellows in three themed areas of discovery, development and manufacturing, driving growth in the sector by emphasising the translation of research into outcomes relevant to the industry partners. Of these, three PhD students and one post-doctoral fellow will be working on Blood Service research.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
8
Publication quality metrics
One measure of a researcher’s impact on their field is the h-index. This index is an independently calculated metric that combines productivity with the citation impact of a body of published work. The average h-index for our investigators in 2015-16 was 11.36, an improvement over the previous year’s value 10.23.
The index is based on the set of the investigator’s most cited papers and the number of citations they have received in other works. For example, an h-index of 10 means the investigator has 10 publications with at least 10 citations each.
Presentations
Blood Service researchers gave a total of 53 conference presentations during 2015-2016, 24 of which were international. In addition to these conference presentations, a further five invited presentations were made overseas to specialist groups, working parties and blood operators.
At the upcoming meeting of the International Society for Blood Transfusion, to be held in Dubai in September 2016, our researchers have been selected to give nine oral presentations covering all aspects of our work from donor psychology to detailed immunology.
Receipt of external funding grants
This year we have been successful, along with external partners, in new grant applications totalling $10.5 million (over the lifetime of the grants). A large proportion of the funding has been awarded to two significant partnerships, each of which has built on past, smaller collaborations with one or more of the partners.
The first is an Industrial Transformation Training Centre, funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC). This centre is one of only six industrial transformation centres
announced nationally across a range of industries, and is one of only two in the health sector. The centre, known as the Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation (CBI), aims to transform Australia’s growing biopharmaceutical industry by training industry-ready postgraduates and post-doctoral fellows.
Research at the CBI will focus on developing and manufacturing new biologically based therapies and training a cohort of specialist scientists in industry relevant research.
The Centre will be based at the University of Queensland, integrating industry partners CSL, (Australia’s largest biotechnology company), Patheon Biologics (a major international ContractManufacturing Organisation, and Australia’s firstlarge contract manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals), GE Healthcare (a supplier of high tech equipment and instrumentation), and the Blood Service. The Centre has received funding of $4.3 million from the ARC over five years.
QUALITY OF RESEARCH OUTCOMES
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
The Blood Service will also be part of a new National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence, known as APPRISE (Australian Partnership for Preparedness Research on Infectious Disease Emergencies). The partnership brings together experts in “four pillars” of clinical research, public health, laboratory research and culturally and linguistically diverse communities to co-ordinate a strategic, collaborative national approach to infectious disease preparedness. These areas are supported by cross-disciplinary involvement of specialists in ethics, data management, education and training, and leadership and integration.
There are ten participating institutions in the partnership, including universities throughout Australia, the Kirby Institute, the Menzies School of Health Research and the Blood Service. APPRISE has a total budget over five years of over $4.9 million.
Awards
Throughout the year, R&D staff were recognised through a variety of awards, which are listed on page 13 (Table 2).
In addition to these awards to Blood Service researchers, material arising from one of our collaborations won a Multicultural Health Communications award. The award was presented by the NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner to the Centre for Health and Social Responsibility for the work “Blood from everyone for everyone: Information for the African community about blood donation in Australia”, which was funded by the ARC and included researchers from the Australian Catholic University, Deakin University, Western Sydney University and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
9
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
10
During 2015-16, R&D researchers authored or co-authored 64 peer-reviewed publications based on their reserch at the Blood Service. For the third successive year, there has been a significant increase in the research output of Blood Service R&D, as measured by peer reviewed publications. Furthermore, the engagement of our research team members
with the research sector both in Australia and overseas has increased, evidenced by the rising number of research papers published in collaboration with external researchers. In 2015–16, 45 collaborative papers were published, 19 of which involved international collaborations, more than double the number of international collaborations in 2014–2015.
PUBLICATIONS
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Increased publications and collaborations
Blood Service R&D authors only International collaborators Australian collaborators
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16
THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT
INCREASE IN THE RESEARCH
OUTPUT OF BLOOD SERVICE R&D
01
R&D HIGHLIGHTSIn 2015-2016, R&D actively engaged with all other divisions of the Blood Service to ensure our research results are translated effectively into business outcomes. Throughout the report, you will find key results from our research program highlighted as case studies.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
12
One of our researchers, Dr Lacey Johnson, was publically acknowledged for her work when she was awarded the Alumni Award for Excellence from the Faculty of Science at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) in 2015. This award was in recognition of her ongoing contribution to the field of platelet research and platelet cryopreservation. As Alumni Award winner, Dr Johnson was also invited to give the occasional address at the Autumn Graduation Ceremony for the UTS Faculty of Science.
Researchers in R&D are actively engaged in training the next generation of researchers for the blood sector, through the supervision of postgraduate students. A full listing of our students, their projects and supervisors can be found in Appendix 4.
During the year, Katrina Kildey completed the final milestones required for her PhD study, supervised by Dr Melinda Dean. Katrina was awarded her PhD from the Queensland University of Technology in March 2016 for her thesis entitled “Genetic studies of red blood cell differentiation and stability: ENU-induced murine mutations.” Ashish Shrestha (featured on page 18) also submitted his PhD thesis this year.
As we look to the future, we can expect further postgraduate completions in the years to come. This year four students completed the confirmation of their PhD candidature, the first hurdle on the journey to their doctorates. They are Marie Anne Balanant, Alexis Perros, Dr Liam Byrne, and Annette Sultana.
Three honours projects were completed, and all were awarded First Class Honours. The successful students were Anna Coghlan and Elise Hewlett supervised by Dr Helen Faddy, and Ben Wood supervised by Dr Lacey Johnson. Ben’s work has already been the basis for two manuscripts published in Transfusion.
Research is organised into areas that align with the value chain of the Blood Service, namely:
• Donor Behaviour• Donor Health and Wellbeing• Product Development and Storage• Product Safety• Product Usage• Transplantation and Immunogenetics
The impact of our research effort locally and internationally is continuing to grow. This year, we produced a record 64 peer reviewed publications and presented over 50 conference presentations, 6 of which were oral presentations at international conferences. Our researchers were accepted to give nine oral presentations at the conference of the International Society of Blood Transfusion in Dubai, to be held in September 2016. Dr Melinda Dean and Dr Kelly Winter each recieved Harold Gunson Fellowships to attend the conference.
Closer to home, three Blood Service researchers were selected for the ANZSBT Presidential symposium the HAA conference in 2015. This symposium is a forum to showcase the six best abstracts at the conference.
The strategically focussed research effort of the
Blood Service is powered by some 70 researchers
located in three states of Australia. Their specialties
are diverse, including psychology, economics,
statistics and engineering, as well as the more
expected fields of cell biology, haematology and
genetics. Collaborations with research institutes
and universities ensure that Blood Service research
remains globally competitive, and is well-placed
to have positive impacts on the blood and broader
health care sectors.
RESEARCHERS
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
13
Table 2: Awards presented to Blood Service researchers. This table shows a full list of awards made to R&D researchers.
Awards presented to Blood Service researchersAwardee Name of award Date awarded
Annette Sultana ANZSBT Travel award July 2015
Katrina Ki CSL Behring Overseas Travel Grant August 2015
Shereen Tan HAA Young Investigator Award October 2015
Lacey Johnson UTS Alumni Award for Excellence -Faculty of Science October 2015
Ben Wood Best Poster Presentation - New Horizons Conference November 2015
Emily Jenkins Dean’s Prize for best presentation by a Summer Student February 2016
Melinda Dean Harold Gunson Fellowship (ISBT) May 2016
Kelly Winter Harold Gunson Travel Award (ISBT) May 2016
THE IMPACT OF OUR RESEARCH EFFORT
LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY IS
CONTINUING TO GROW
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
14
Our Director
Prof David Irving Director Research and Development
With formal training in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and management, Professor Irving has over 25 years’ experience in the biomedical and life sciences. His early research interests were focussed in the field of molecular approaches to parasite vaccine development, in particular malaria vaccine development. He held postdoctoral positions at the Rockefeller University, New York, and CSIRO, Sydney and has an MSc and PhD from the Australian National University and a Graduate Certificate of Management (Technology Management) from Deakin University. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
He was the inaugural CEO of the Diabetes Vaccine Development Centre (DVDC) and held executive management positions with Biotech Australia Pty Limited, Sydney and its successor companies.
Donor research
Dr Tanya Davison National Donor Research Manager
Dr Davison is a Clinical Psychologist, with a research and clinical background in mental health. She leads the Donor Research team, investigating ways to improve the recruitment and retention of blood donors, as well as maintain donors’ health and wellbeing.
Donor behaviour
Dr Anne van Dongen Honorary Research Fellow
Originally from the Netherlands, Dr van Dongen worked at the Dutch Blood Service Sanquin for 10 years. She obtained her PhD in Health Psychology, focussing on the retention of new blood donors. Currently, Anne’s research aims to map the emotional journey of new and novice donors, resulting in interventions to retain these donors.
Donor behaviour
A/Prof Barbara MasserVisiting Principal Research Fellow
Associate Professor Masser’s research focuses broadly on the psychology of blood donor recruitment and retention, with a current focus on emotion in donor decision-making and barriers to plasmapheresis.
Donor behaviour
Dr Alison Carver Research Fellow
Dr Carver’s current research focuses on the recruitment of male donors, first appointment plasmapheresis and retention of O negative donors. She was awarded her PhD in Behavioural Epidemiology at Deakin University.
MEET OUR RESEARCH LEADERS
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
Product development and storage
Dr Denese Marks National R&D Leader - Product Development and Storage
Dr Marks’ research focuses on all aspects of improving blood component quality and safety from blood collection through to processing, storage and transfusion. This includes development of novel blood products such as platelet lysate and frozen blood components.
Product development and storage
Dr Lacey Johnson Principal Research Fellow
Dr Johnson completed her PhD at The University of New South Wales, which focussed on understanding the mechanisms leading to the maturation of megakaryocytes, the parent cell of platelets. At the Blood Service her primary focus is improving the quality of platelets for transfusion.
Donor health and wellbeing
Dr Barbara Bell Donor Vigilance & Clinical Research Manager
After graduating in medicine from the University of Sydney, Dr Bell completed training in clinical immunology. Her areas of interest include the use of quality systems in medicine to enhance clinical outcomes and the prevention and management of adverse events in blood donors.
Product development and storage
Dr Dianne van der Wal Senior Research Fellow
Dr van der Wal is interested in platelet signalling. During her Ph.D. (Utrecht University, the Netherlands), she demonstrated that novel death pathways were triggered in cold-stored platelets as a result of molecular changes in one of the platelet adhesion receptors. Her current project focuses on the platelet responses of apheresis platelet donors.
Donor health and wellbeing
Dr Stephen Wright Honorary Research Fellow (Biostatistics)
Dr Wright’s main research interest is the intersection between modern statistical methods and applied science. His analysis expertise includes applying generalised linear mixed models, competing risk regression, and data linkage methods.
Product development and storage
Dr Celine LohResearch Fellow
Dr Loh received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Malaya, Malaysia and obtained her PhD from the University of Sydney. Dr Loh’s current research focuses on the development and characterisation of platelet lysate for in vitro propagation of human therapeutic cells, such as the mesenchymal stromal cells.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
Product safety
Prof Robert FlowerNational R&D Leader – Product safety
Professor Flower’s research focuses broadly on transfusion safety, with teams using in vivo and in vitro models to investigate impacts of transfusion and the application of genotyping to improve the matching of blood for patients. Robert has a strong commitment to education and teaches TAFE, university undergraduate and medical advanced trainees.
Product safety
A/Prof Catherine Hyland Principal Research Fellow
Associate Professor Hyland was awarded a PhD from the University of Queensland for studies characterising the molecular diversity of the Rh blood group system. Her current research interests include circulating cell-free DNA and non-invasive prenatal assessment for the fetal RhD blood group and other atypical blood group antigens.
Product development and storage
Dr Kelly WinterResearch Fellow
Since completing her PhD in 2009, Dr Winter’s research has focused on improving blood processing and component quality. Her recent research includes work in the Frozen Blood Programme comparing red cell additive solutions for the resuspension of deglycerolised red cells and optimisation of the deglycerolisation process to improve product quality.
Product safety
Dr Melinda DeanSenior Research Fellow
Dr Dean received her PhD from the University of QLD in 2009. Her current research is focused on investigation of red blood cell structural integrity, and the identification of biomarkers to predict adverse patient outcomes in transfusion.
Product development and storage
Dr Joanne TanResearch Fellow
Dr Tan completed a PhD at the University of Sydney (Westmead Millennium Institute) in the area of molecular biology and infectious diseases. Her recent research projects focus on the characterisation and efficacy of serum eye drops, and the responder/non-responder profiles in anti-D donors following RhD-positive red blood cell immunisation.
Product safety
Dr Helen FaddySenior Research Fellow
Dr Faddy received her PhD from the University of Queensland in 2008. Helen’s research activities focus on providing an evidence base to enable the evaluation of current emerging infectious risks to the safety of the Australian blood supply.
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
Product safety
Dr Elizna Schoeman Research Fellow
Dr Schoeman received a PhD in Biochemistry from the North West University, South Africa in 2011 and was employed there in a postdoctoral research fellow position in 2012. Her current interests lie in developing new strategies for blood typing to improve transfusion safety.
Product usage
Elizabeth KnightClinical Research Project Manager
Elizabeth has a Science degree in physiology and pharmacology and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Wollongong. She has over 15 years working in the Clinical Trial environment, including 3 ½ years for the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. During her career she has worked in South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines and New Zealand.
Product safety
Dr John-Paul TungSenior Research Fellow
Dr Tung’s research is focused on better understanding the effects and possible negative outcomes associated with transfusion, especially of stored blood products. His particular focus is on transfusion-related acute lung injury or TRALI, with his doctoral thesis, conferred from the University of Queensland in 2012, describing the development of the first large animal model of TRALI.
Product usage
Dr Wayne DyerSenior Research Fellow
Dr Dyer received his PhD in viral immunology from the University of NSW in 1999, and has been a research scientist at the Blood Service since this time. Wayne’s current research activities focus on providing an evidence base for usage and dosing of fractionated plasma products, with current studies investigating IVIg and fibrinogen products.
Product safety
Dr Elvina Viennet Research Fellow
Dr Viennet completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Medical and Veterinary Entomology and Bio-Ecology from Cirad-CMAEE, Montpellier (Fr) in 2011. Elvina has a strong interest in infectious disease, especially in vector-borne diseases, and a particular interest in understanding virus transmission to optimize the prediction of new outbreaks.
Product usage
Dr Rena Hirani Research Fellow
Dr Hirani obtained her PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Adelaide. She is currently involved in projects analysing the molecular changes that occur in patients who receive a blood transfusion, the use of genotyping techniques to match blood components more closely between patients and donors and the clinical usage patterns for high demand blood components.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAMThe Research and Development team welcomes students, including those from overseas, to take part in our research program. One of our research students, Ashish Shrestha, came to us from Nepal almost three years ago and handed in his PhD in June 2016 supported by a University of Queensland International Scholarship. Last year he was selected, along with seven others from around the world, to take place in an innovative program to train young investigators.
His PhD research involved studying the risk of hepatitis E virus to the Australian blood supply, and he has extended his work to a similar study in his home country of Nepal, where he was collecting samples a month after the earthquake that devastated that country last year. During his final year of research, he was selected to take part in the global training program known as I TRY IT, developed by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Disease (TTID) Working Party. The aim of the eight-month program was to train young researchers to develop, review and report on research projects in transfusion transmitted infectious diseases. Ashish was enthusiastic about his experience. “We had an opportunity to learn from experts from the US, Germany and South Africa.”
“I believe I have chosen the right place to get involved in research. The Blood Service is an amazing place to explore ideas. With the availability of experts, and friendly and co-operative staff, it’s certainly an ideal place to learn and develop your ideas and skills.”
THE RESEARCH
EFFORT OF THE
BLOOD SERVICE IS
POWERED BY 70
RESEARCHERS
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
20
The Donor Research team has added significant expertise in the last twelve months. Recent additions to the team are Honorary Research Fellow, Dr Anne van Dongen and Research Fellow, Dr Evarn Ooi, both of whom are joint appointments with our university collaborators. Along with Dr Stephen Wright, who holds a joint appointment at the University of Technology, Sydney and A/Prof Barbara Masser at the University of Queensland, the team has forged strong and formal links with some of Australia’s leading universities.
Members of our Donor Research team presented at the annual conference of the Society of Australasian Social Psychologists held in Brisbane from 31 March-3 April 2016. This conference is the most popular venue for dissemination of psycho-social research within Australia, and attracts international, as well as local researchers. Oral presentations by Carley Gemelli and Amanda Thijsen generated many new contacts, and were of particular interest to the conference participants due to their applied approach.
Australia is one of the few blood services in the world to have established a donor research program, and our team includes researchers with co-appointments to major universities, including the University of NSW, (psychology), the University of Technology, Sydney (biostatistics), the University of Queensland (psychology) and the University of Sydney (economics). The goal for this team is to deliver leading edge research that is cost-effective and translates into evidence -based business practice, while expanding academic knowledge about blood donation.
The Donor behaviour research theme focuses on recruitment, retention, conversion, flexibility and sustainability of plasma, platelet and whole blood donor panels.
Research in this theme examines:
• Demographic, psychological, social, organisational and environmental factors that predict, explain, and augment donation behaviour
• Tailored interventions to meet the needs of blood donors from different sections of the community
• Methods to inform communication and service interactions with blood donors
The Blood Service is in the unusual position of being
a business whose key raw material is a gift, given
freely by volunteers. Understanding what motivates
these volunteers, how to keep them coming back,
and ensuring the right balance of blood types in the
donor panel is the aim of our Donor behaviour team.
DONOR BEHAVIOUR
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
21
OUR KEY RAW
MATERIAL IS A GIFT,
GIVEN FREELY BY
VOLUNTEERS. WE TRY
TO UNDERSTAND WHAT
MOTIVATES THESE
VOLUNTEERS, HOW TO
KEEP THEM COMING
BACK, AND ENSURE
THE RIGHT BALANCE
OF BLOOD TYPES IN
THE DONOR PANEL
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
22
Table 3: Donor Behaviour projects. This table shows project titles and Blood Service investigators. Our external collaborators are shown in Appendix 5.
Donor behaviour Completed projects
DB 14-01 Evaluating a model for culturally relevant interventions to increase blood
donation and overcome perceived blood donation barriers among migrant communities
Dr Tanya Davison
Ongoing projects
DB 14-02 The role of pride in motivating and maintaining blood donations Amanda Thijsen, Carley Gemelli,
DB15-02 Recruitment of male donors Dr Alison Carver; Dr Tanya Davison;
A/Prof Barbara Masser; Kathleen Chell
DB15-03 Behavioural economics to better understand blood donations to inform
policy and practice (ARC)
Evarn Ooi, Dr Tanya Davison
DB15-04 Emotional psychology of blood donors (ARC) A/Prof Barbara Masser, Dr Anne van Dongen,
Amanda Thijsen, Dr Tanya Davison
DB16-02 Informing new donors about different donation types Dr Alison Carver, Dr Tanya Davison,
A/Prof Barbara Masser, Carley Gemelli,
Carmela Germano
DB16-04 Hospitals to Hospitality: Understanding the influence of Interaction
with staff and service quality on donor intention to donate
Dr Tanya Davison
Abandoned projects
DB 15-01 Developing donor willingness to change donation types as required:
an empirical investigation (this project was redesigned to continue as DB 16-02:
Informing new donors about different donation types)
A/Prof Barbara Masser (University
of Queensland, Australian Red
Cross Blood Service)
PROJECTS
01
DONOR RESEARCH: BEATING THE BUTTERFLIESWhen a first time donor makes an appointment to give blood, their initial good intentions can give way to “butterflies” as their donation approaches – and sometimes they don’t follow through with their donation as a result. A new strategy devised by our donor research team is designed to help donors manage their anxiety through this critical period of their donation career.
The novel approach is based on research led by Dr Barbara Masser (Honorary Principal Research Fellow at the Blood Service, and Associate Professor at the University of Queensland). Barbara explains “There is a voice at the back of new donors’ heads saying ‘You don’t have to do this. You could just not do it, that’s OK’. So we’re trying to intervene in that period and say ‘We know. We recognise that you are thinking all these things. It’s not that unusual, and here are some things you can do to manage those doubts”.
The R&D team worked with the marketing team to develop a range of materials to assist new donors. The materials were tested on over 3600 new donors. Using an internationally respected research design, the outcomes of this study told us that an emailed brochure in combination with a phone call produced the best result, and is the basis of a new business practice.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
Research in this theme examines:
• Demographic, psychological, social, organisational and environmental factors that can predict, explain and improve donor health
• Evidence-based interventions to enhance the wellbeing of blood donors
• Applied research to inform communication and service interactions with blood donors
Projects underway in this theme are shown in Table 4 on page 26.
The overall aim of this work is to develop knowledge that can inform Medical Services policy and standard operating procedures.
This will help us to care for donors at the donor centre and throughout their donation career. Linking data from Blood Service records with health information will allow us to see if there are any long term impacts (positive or negative) of donation. Through collaboration with the Sax Institute, the Blood Service is linking donor records with information from the 45-and-up study and other databases such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, disease registers and Medicare. The linked data sets will provide a valuable resource to examine whether there might be any association between blood donation and cardiovascular risk, bone fractures and other health outcomes.
This year the Donor health and wellbeing team welcomed Dr Barbara Bell, who has previously been the National Medical Services Manager. She joins the R&D team as National Donor Vigilance and Clinical Research Manager and brings with her a broader medical input into our portfolio of research projects.
The ongoing health and wellbeing of our donors
is one of our highest priorities. The Donor health
and wellbeing research theme focuses on prevention
and management of donation-related adverse events
and the promotion of long-term donor health.
DONOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING
WE FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE
DONATION EXPERIENCE AND KEEP
OUR DONORS HAPPY AND HEALTHY
24
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
25
REDUCING DONOR ADVERSE EVENTSSome donors react to the sight of blood or a needle by feeling dizzy, becoming sweaty or feeling nauseous. This is known as a vasovagal reaction, and the symptoms are caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Donors who experience them are at higher risk of sustaining an injury and often feel embarrassed or anxious.
Research has found two simple ways to reduce these symptoms. One is to drink 300ml of water ten minutes before the donation (known as water loading), and the other is a set of simple exercises during donation. If a person crosses their legs and tenses their inner thigh and abdominal muscles for five seconds while maintaining steady breathing (known as applied muscle tension), their blood pressure increases within two to three seconds.
Many donors are not aware of these two techniques. Our researchers tested different educational materials for whole blood donors to increase the use of water loading and applied muscle tension.
We selected 600 donors with a whole blood appointment at one of two donor centres and two days before their appointment, we sent each of them an email to help them prepare for their donation. The donors were randomised into one of four groups:
• Group 1 received a link in their preparation email to an online instruction video
• Group 2 received a link in their preparation email to a webpage with VVR prevention information
• Group 3 received an instruction card at the donor centre
• Group 4 was a “business as usual” group.
Donors who received the onsite instruction card reported greater use of water loading, awareness and use of applied muscle tension, and had a higher collected blood volume. We also had positive feedback from participants: “I enjoy giving blood, this was my 85th donation and I have not had any problems in that time. I have not heard of muscle tension exercises but if they help, very good”.
The findings of this study highlighted the important role that donor centre staff play in providing donor education on VVR prevention. In our follow-up study, we are working with donor centre staff to develop new training materials for staff to improve the routine use of VVR prevention techniques.
PROJECTS
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
26
Table 4: Donor Health and Wellbeing projects. This table shows project titles and Blood Service investigators. Our external collaborators are shown in Appendix 5.
Donor Health and WellbeingCompleted projects
DH 14-01 Prevention of and response to donor vasovagal events:
Staff and donor perspectives
Amanda Thijsen, Dr Stephen Wright
DH 14-02 The REplacement ADvice (READ) study Dr Anthony Keller, Dr Joanna Speedy,
Dr Tania Brama, Dr Sant-Rayn Pasricha,
Dr Hannah Salvin and Dr Denese Marks.
DH 14-03 Provision of iron replacement to donors (the Donor Iron REplaCemenT
Study- DIRECT study)
Dr Anthony Keller, Dr Joanna Speedy,
Dr Tania Brama, Dr Sant-Rayn Pasricha,
Dr Hannah Salvin and Dr Denese Marks.
DH 14-04 Genetic factors associated with donation career Ms Yu Ji, Dr Helen Faddy, A/Prof. Catherine
Hyland, Prof Robert Flower, Dr Daniel Waller,
Dr Melinda Dean
Ongoing projects
DH15-01 A trial of interventions to increase adherence to applied muscle tension
during whole blood donation
Amanda Thijsen, Jenny Fisher, Dr Barbara Bell
DH15-03 45 and Up: Blood Service data linkage project: a world-class donor
health data-asset
Dr Stephen Wright, Carley Gemelli, Dr Tanya
Davison, Prof David Irving
DH 15-05 Safety and feasibility of first appointment plasmapheresis donation Prof David Irving, Elizabeth Knight Dr Alison
Carver, Dr Tanya Davison, Dr Stephen Wright
Abandoned projects
DH15-02 Development of an Australian statistical model to predict
haemoglobin deferrals
Carley Gemelli, Dr Daniel Waller
Dr Stephen Wright
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
27
WE EXPLORE
WAYS TO PROCESS
BLOOD MORE
EFFICIENTLY,
IMPROVE STORAGE
LIFE AND
REDUCE WASTE
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTAND STORAGEThe Blood Service strives to deliver safe, high
quality blood products whilst providing value for
our stakeholders. Product development and storage
research investigates novel ways to manufacture or
store blood components to maximise the donation
potential; create efficiencies and reduce waste;
improve component quality or shelf-life; and meet
the clinical demand for blood components.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
28
Members of this team work closely with other Blood Service divisions as well as with external collaborators from universities and other institutions to conduct research that is focused on blood component development and quality, donor and product safety and improvements in operational efficiency.
Conventional components
Projects in this theme focus on gaining further knowledge and improving our current components, or ‘doing what we do better’. This research area investigates opportunities to improve the quality of our current components, or make collection and processing methods more efficient.
We have now accumulated two years of data from the Quality Monitoring Program from extended testing of each component (platelets, plasma and red cells) from all four Blood Service processing centres (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth). This a very rich source of data, particularly for parameters that are not monitored during routine quality control. The data will enhance our understanding of our blood components and will be analysed and shared with the Manufacturing and Quality teams.A joint R&D and Manufacturing project
evaluating a new plasma collection platform was conducted this year. This collaboration provided an opportunity for a Manufacturing team member from interstate to spend time in the Sydney R&D laboratory and better understand our processes and assays.
Dr Denese Marks led an international initiative to understand international practice in serum eye drop processing. She submitted a survey through the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative which was extremely well received, with over 37 responses from blood centres, hospitals and clinics throughout the world. A summary of the data was presented at the BEST meeting in October 2015, and will be presented at the upcoming AABB conference in Orlando in October 2016.
Outcomes from projects in this theme provide knowledge and data that can be used to improve production efficiencies and the storage conditions of blood components within the Blood Service. In addition, research in this area contributes to knowledge in the broader blood sector through publications, presentations at international meetings, and collaborations with other blood services around the world.
Extended component storage
Projects in this theme focus on developing strategies to extend the shelf-life of blood products. Of particular interest is the cryopreservation and cold storage of blood products. It is essential to understand any biochemical and functional alterations occurring in the cells within blood components, as a result of cryopreservation or refrigeration, to determine how these changes may influence their clinical utility.
Cryopreservation is an attractive alternative for blood product storage, as it enables a considerable extension of the product shelf-life, compared with liquid storage. This research encompasses the cryopreservation of both platelets and red cells. In addition, alternatives such as refrigerated storage of platelets and anaerobic storage of red cells are of interest.
During 2015-2016, work carried out by Dr Lacey Johnson and her team found that platelets stored in the refrigerator, rather than at room temperature, retain their ability to stimulate clotting activity for up to 21 days (see Research highlights, page 31).
Dr Lacey Johnson, in collaboration with Dr Larry Dumont from Dartmouth, is leading a study under the auspices of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) to evaluate additive solutions for reconstitution of cryopreserved platelets. The study has participants from the USA, New Zealand, Scotland, the Netherlands and Singapore.
Processes for preparing frozen red cells, platelets and plasma have been successfully transferred to the Manufacturing division of the Blood Service. As a result, an inventory of frozen blood products is now being manufactured for the ADF.
Novel products
This research develops and characterises novel products that are derived from our current blood components, or completely new products and therapies that have not been previously explored by the Blood Service. These products are developed to meet an unmet clinical demand and have the potential to improve patient outcomes. The major focus of this work is creating value from expired platelets by transforming them into new, valuable products, known as platelet lysates and platelet gels. Platelet lysate has been identified as a potential growth supplement for the production of human cells intended for therapeutic use. Platelet gels have potential therapeutic uses in wound healing.
Significant progress has been made with the development of a platelet lysate product. Dr Celine Loh has established new collaborations with researchers at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, to examine the suitability of platelet lysates as a supplement for the propagation of human stem cells and for storage of corneal tissue.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
30
PROJECTSTable 5: Product development and storage projects by theme. This table shows project titles and Blood Service investigators. Our external collaborators are shown in Appendix 5.
Conventional componentsCompleted projects
PD 14-02 New packaging system for serum eye drops Dr Joanne Tan, Dr Denese Marks
PD 14-03 Evaluation of automated red cell washing Dr Celine Loh, Dr Rena Hirani,
Dr Denese Marks
Ongoing projects
PD 14-01 Quality Monitoring Program (QMP) Dr Denese Marks, Dr Ryan Hyland
PD 15-01 Extending the shelf life of FFP and cryoprecipitate Dr Kelly Winter, Dr Denese Marks
PD15-02 Evaluation of new plasmapheresis systems Dr Kelly Winter, Dr Denese Marks
Extended component storageOngoing projects
PD14-04 Characterisation of cryopreserved platelets Dr Lacey Johnson, Dr Denese Marks,
Dr John-Paul Tung, Dr Melinda Dean
PD14-05 Cold storage of platelets Dr Lacey Johnson, Dr Denese Marks
PD14-06 Frozen blood stability testing Dr Lacey Johnson, Dr Denese Marks,
Dr Janet Wong
PD14-07 Improvements to red cell cryopreservation Dr Kelly Winter, Dr Lacey Johnson,
Dr Denese Marks
PD14-08 Anaerobic red cell storage Dr Joanne Tan, Dr Denese Marks
PD15-03 Use of additive solutions for reconstitution of cryopreserved platelets Dr Lacey Johnson, Dr Denese Marks
PD 15-04 Biomimetic blood bag materials for prolonged platelet storage Prof. David Irving, Dr Lacey Johnson,
Dr Denese Marks
PD 15-07 Evaluation of TRIMA plasma for reconstitution of cryopreserved
platelets for the ADF
Dr Lacey Johnson, Dr Denese Marks,
Dr Barbara Bell, Noemi Bondar
Novel productsOngoing projects
PD14-09 Development and characterisation of platelet lysates Dr Celine Loh, Dr Denese Marks
PD14-10 Development and characterisation of platelet gels Dr Celine Loh, Dr Denese Marks
Abandoned projects
PD 15-06 Development of a pooled buffy-coat-derived granulocyte product Dr Denese Marks, Dr Peta Dennington
01
RETHINKING PLATELET STORAGEPlatelets are routinely stored with agitation at room temperature for 5 days, after which they are discarded if they have not been transfused. Currently up to 20 percent of platelets are discarded prior to transfusion due to this short shelf-life. This practice is based on evidence from the 1970s that cold-stored platelets (ie platelets that had been stored in the refrigerator) were rapidly removed from the circulation after transfusion.
More recent research has shown that despite more rapid clearance, cold-stored platelets may be more functional and even offer advantages in some situations, such as trauma. Cold storage of platelets would also simplify storage and transport logistics.
In the last 12 months, a detailed comparison of conventional, cold-stored and cryopreserved platelets has been conducted within R&D, led by Principal Research Fellow, Dr Lacey Johnson. The study showed that many of the clot-forming functions of cold-stored platelets were just as good, if not better, than platelets stored conventionally at room temperature.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
32
• confirmed the recent discovery of the August blood group (At), and shown that antibodies to the August antigen are clinically significant
• been announced as partners in a successful $4.3 million bid for an Industrial Transformation Training Centre, funded by the Australian Research Council (see highlights page 7). The successful partnership builds on an existing relationship with the Australian Institute for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology (AIBN) in Queensland, and will carry out research into new diagnostics and therapies.
Research in the Product safety group is divided into seven themes, described in more detail below. The themes are:
• Transfusion transmitted infections and emerging risks
• Reducing the risks associated with transfusion• Reducing the risk of TRALI• Understanding the pathogenesis of
adverse transfusion reactions: role of the immune system
• Identifying factors leading to the failure of red blood cell structure and function
• Optimising transfusion support for neonates at risk of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
• Development of applications of modern genotyping technology to provide a full blood group profile for donors and patients.
Transfusion transmitted infections and emerging risks
Emerging risks, including those with an infectious origin, can pose a risk to transfusion safety either directly, if they can be transmitted to a recipient in donated blood or indirectly, where outbreaks reduce the pool of available donors and decrease the available blood supply.
Research scientists in this team study blood on the cellular and molecular level to understand the changes that occur during storage; how transfused blood interacts with a recipient’s immune system; how to improve the matching of donors and patients; and ensuring the risk of infectious disease transmission is maintained at as low a value as possible.
They harness massively parallel sequencing to solve previously unsolvable blood group incompatibilities by probing the genome for changes that affect the more than 35 known blood group systems. This research helps us provide appropriate transfusion support for people with rare blood types and leads to a greater understanding of diversity within the modern Australian population.
The Product safety group has particular expertise in the quantification of risk to ensure the safety of blood components. Members of the team work closely with national and international collaborators from hospitals and universities as well as with staff from other Blood Service Divisions.
During this reporting period, our researchers have
• carried out evaluations of the prevalence of Hepatitis E and Ross River viruses in the Australian donor population
• transferred the technology for non-invasive prenatal assessment of fetal blood type to the red cell reference laboratory within the Manufacturing division
The Product safety research group conducts
research to ensure the continuing safety of
our blood components and to improve the
understanding of the clinical effects of transfused
blood and blood products.
PRODUCT SAFETY
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
33
Due to globalization and increased international travel, many transfusion risks have become global. However, unique region-specific concerns exist. This research investigates possible risks to the Australian blood supply, by combining sero-epidemiological, donor demographic data and modelling approaches to provide evidence for assessing risk. This allows the development of appropriate management strategies for future -proofing our blood supply with respect to these emerging threats.
This year the team has continued to generate evidence in relation to whether hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a risk to the Australian blood supply, and has shown that countries where donations are restricted following travel account for the majority of diagnosed overseas-acquired HEV cases in Australia. This suggests that the potential for transfusion-transmitted HEV from overseas-acquired HEV in Australia is adequately managed by existing travel policies. The team has also conducted a study on the prevalence of HEV RNA in blood donations, finding one in 14,799 donations were positive for HEV RNA. Given the low prevalence of viraemia found in this study, an additional study is being undertaken on 75,000 whole blood donations to provide data to more accurately model the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV in the Australian population.
With the emergence of Zika virus globally, and recent reports of likely transfusion-transmission, the team is undertaking research to determine the probability of Zika virus transmission in Australia and the impact on blood safety. Although this research project is in its early days, the team has already demonstrated that, without vector control programs, Cairns and Townsville would have been suitable for Zika virus transmission throughout the year 2015.A group of technologies known as pathogen inactivation use ultraviolet light, either alone or with a photosensitising agent, to inactivate viruses and other pathogens in blood products by damaging their DNA. These technologies are effective against a wide range of pathogens, some of which are not detected by routine testing. Of particular interest in the Australian context is a recent study by our researchers showing that both Ross River virus and chikungunya virus are effectively inactivated in platelet components using this technology.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
34
Reducing the risks associated with transfusion
Blood transfusion is essential to modern medicine. However, it is not without risk and transfusion has been associated with an increased risk of illness and death in certain patient groups. This research uses laboratory and animal models to understand whether transfusion is associated with poor clinical outcomes, and whether the storage time and conditions of the blood products contribute to these outcomes. Additionally, this research theme aims to develop an understanding of the mechanisms underlying such transfusion related adverse outcomes.
Reducing the risk of TRALI
Despite the introduction of risk-reduction strategies, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following transfusion of blood products. TRALI may be caused by antibodies that target the patient’s white blood cells or by molecules known as biological response modifiers (BRMs). These molecules accumulate in blood products during routine storage and include lipids and proteins. Current risk reduction strategies focus on antibody-mediated TRALI (for example leucodepletion, male only clinical plasma); but no such strategies exist to combat the risk of TRALI caused by biological response modifiers. This group of projects is aimed at providing a better understanding of the mechanisms by which TRALI develops, especially TRALI caused by biological response modifiers. This increased knowledge will provide opportunities to develop new strategies to improve patient safety.
Understanding the pathogenesis of adverse transfusion reactions – role of the immune system
There is growing awareness in the medical community of the risks associated with transfusion, especially of stored blood products. A number of international and domestic clinical trials are underway to investigate poor patient outcomes associated with transfusion. Blood Service research in this area combines laboratory models of transfusion with studies of clinical samples from transfusion recipients to examine the mechanisms that lead to adverse
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
35
transfusion reactions. The team has developed a number of relevant transfusion models and has made significant contributions in this important area of transfusion medicine.
Identifying factors leading to failure of red blood cell structure and function
Storage of blood products is an essential aspect of modern blood banking practice, yet it is known that storage of blood products leads to changes in the product. There is also variation in the quality of product obtained from different donors, or from the same donor at different times. This research uses laboratory and animal
models of red blood cell structure to improve our understanding of the changes in blood products that can affect the outcome for patients. These parameters related to the blood product itself combine with underlying recipient factors to contribute to the patient outcomes after transfusion. Research in this area investigates these parameters by applying leading edge techniques to characterise changes in blood products, ultimately to inform changes in blood product safety and improve patient outcomes.
As a result of the work carried out in this theme our researchers designed a project that contributed to the successful award of the ARC Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation (see page 7).
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
This work was presented by Prof Robert Flower at the recent African Society of Blood Transfusion conference in Rwanda. Further extended presentations will be made by A/Prof Catherine Hyland at the International Society of Blood Transfusion conference in Dubai in September, 2016.
Improving identification of blood groups by genotyping
This research area explores options for blood donor genotyping using high-throughput technologies. This enables the Blood Service to provide appropriately matched blood for the increasingly diverse Australian population. In 2015 a new blood group system called the At or August system was discovered in African populations by French and English researchers.This is the 35th blood group system to be discovered since Dr Karl Landsteiner described the ABO blood group system in 1900.
Before the announcement of this discovery, our research group applied a leading edge genetic technology (called MPS for short) to study an antenatal patient of African background who presented with a clinically significant red cell antibody. The patient was in her fifth pregnancy and carrying twins. We found that she carried a very small change in a red blood cell surface protein that is now classified as the Augustine (AUG) blood group system. This provided an explanation for the patient’s antibody which formed as a result of exposure to red cells from the patient’s baby(s) from a previous pregnancy. The findings provided evidence to support the classification of the Ata blood antigen in the AUG system and showed its clinical significance for pregnant women. It will assist in improving donor patient matching, and in the management of pregnancies where there may be an incompatibility between the blood groups of the mother and baby.
At the time we made these findings there was no Augustine blood group system – there was the Augustine (or August) antigen (Ata) that was not assigned to a blood group. Our work confirmed the protein in which this antigen was located, using a “rare diseases” genetic approach, and that this was a new blood group system. These findings were presented by Prof Flower at the regional International Society for Blood Transfusion congress in London and also presented in the Presidential Symposium for the ANZSBT annual congress in Adelaide.
Optimising transfusion support for neonates at risk of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
Babies who develop hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) can become sick and die as their red blood cells are destroyed by antibodies from their mother’s blood. A number of red cell antibodies can cause this condition, but the most common case is when an Rh negative mother develops antibodies that react with the blood of an Rh positive fetus.
Early identification of the fetal blood group can assist in appropriate management of these pregnancies. The R&D team has developed a non-invasive prenatal test that can determine the fetal blood group from a sample of the mother’s blood. The test, known as NIPA (non-invasive prenatal analysis), replaces an existing test which relies on the invasive sampling of amniotic fluid. This year, the testing technology was transferred from R&D into the red cell reference laboratory to enhance the quality of service provided by the Blood Service for high risk RhD negative pregnant women.
A diverse array of blood group variants is found in the Australian population and some are associated with African and with East Asian population groups. Non-invasive fetal blood typing has been shown to be capable of managing the population variants that we have detected in both the patient and donor populations, including variants found in these population groups.
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
37
WE IDENTIFY
CURRENT AND
EMERGING RISKS
AND DEVELOP WAYS
TO MEASURE AND
CONTROL THEM
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
38
PROJECTSTable 6: Product safety research projects by theme. This table shows project titles and Blood Service investigators. Our external collaborators are shown in Appendix 5.
Transfusion transmitted infections and emerging risksCompleted projects
PS 14-01 Does hepatitis E virus pose a risk to the Australian blood supply? Dr Helen Faddy, Ashish Shrestha, Jesse Fryk,
Dr Clive Seed, Dr Anthony Keller,
Dr Mark Chan, Dr Robert Harley, Sue Ismay,
Prof Robert Flower
PS 14-03 The first integrated multimodal assay for the ultrasensitive detection of
dengue contamination of blood
Dr Helen Faddy, Thu Tran, Prof Robert Flower,
Prof David Irving
PS 14-06 Detection of Ross River virus in Australian blood donations Dr Helen Faddy, Prof Robert Flower, Thu Tran,
Jesse Fryk, Dr Clive Seed, Dr Veronica Hoad,
Dr Mark Chan, Dr Robert Harley, Dr Tony Keller
Ongoing projects
PS14-02 Q fever: how common is it, who is at risk and what does this mean for blood
safety?
Dr Helen Faddy, Thu Tran, Prof Robert Flower
PS14-04 Exotic mosquito-borne virus threats to Australia (including WNV, CHIKV, LNV
etc.):disease burden and consequences for blood supply safety
Dr Helen Faddy, Dr Clive Seed, Elise Hewlett,
Prof Robert Flower
PS14-05 TTI Safety: Emerging risks - what can our existing data tell us? Dr Helen Faddy, Dr Melinda Dean, Dr Clive
Seed, Dr Veronica Hoad, Dr Robert Harley,
Prof Robert Flower
PS15-01 Chikungunya and/or Zika virus emergence and establishment in Australia Dr Helen Faddy, Prof. Robert Flower,
Dr Elvina Viennet, Dr Clive Seed
PS15-02 Is parvovirus B19 a concern for the blood safety in Australia? Dr Helen Faddy, Prof Robert Flower,
Elise Gorman, Dr Tony Keller, Dr Mark Chan,
Dr Chris Hogan, Dr Veronica Hoad
Reducing the risk of TRALIOngoing projects
PS14-07 TRALI - Impact of leucodepletion on platelets Dr John-Paul Tung, Gabriela Simonova, Sanne
Pedersen, Arlanna Esguerra-Lallen, Dr Jo Pink
PS14-08 Investigating antibody and non-antibody mediated TRALI using laboratory
models
Dr John-Paul Tung, Dr Melinda Dean, Annette
Sultana, Gabriela Simonova, Emily McDonald,
Dr Jo Pink
PS14-09 Investigating levels of BRMs in donors implicated in clinical cases of TRALI Dr John-Paul Tung, Dr Melinda Dean,
Gabriela Simonova, Annette Sultana,
Htet Htet Aung, Dr Shoma Baidya, Kathryn
Goodison, Rhonda Holdsworth, Gail Pahn,
Mark Burton, Greg Jones, Penny Hassell,
Katie Havelburg, David Mahon
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
39
Reducing the risk of TRALI (cont.)Ongoing projects
PS15-03 Modification of the ovine model to make it more robust Dr John-Paul Tung, Gabriela Simonova,
Annette Sultana, Sanne Pedersen,
Arlanna Esguerra-Lallen, Emily McDonald
PS15-04 Development of ovine laboratory models of transfusion and TRALI Dr John-Paul Tung, Gabriela Simonova,
Annette Sultana, Emily McDonald
PS15-05 Extracellular traps and TRALI: more than just neutrophils Dr Melinda Dean, Dr John-Paul Tung,
Annette Sultana, Dr Zofia Perkowska-Guse
Reducing the risk associated with transfusionOngoing projects
PS14-10 Using a sheep model to understand the effects of transfusion
in severe trauma (CHORuS)
Dr John-Paul Tung, Gabriela Simonova,
Susan Blinkhoff
PS14-11 Using a sheep model to investigate transfusion of patients
with septic shock. (RESUS)
Dr John-Paul Tung, Gabriela Simonova,
Annette Sultana, Sanne Pedersen,
Arlanna Esguerra-Lallen
Understanding the pathogenesis of adverse transfusion reactions-role of the immune systemOngoing projects
PS 14-12 Impact of transfusion on dendritic cell function Dr Melinda Dean, Katrina Ki, Fenny Chong,
Dr Helen Faddy, Dr Lacey Johnson,
Prof Robert Flower
PS14-13 Transfusion associated immunomodulation in a cohort of cardiac patients
– translating laboratory findings to a clinical context
Dr Melinda Dean, Alexis Perros, Kelly Rooks,
Fenny Chong, Dr Helen Faddy,
Dr John-Paul Tung
PS 14-14 Do donor and/or processing associated parameters contribute to biological
variation in biological response modifiers in packed red blood cells?
Dr Melinda Dean, Kelly Rooks, Fenny Chong
Optimising transfusion support for neonates at risk of Hemolytic Disease of the NewbornCompleted projects
PS 14-15 Non-invasive assessment (NIPA) translation: for high risk pregnant women
who are allo-immunised to the RhD blood group antigen
A/Prof Catherine Hyland, Glenda Millard,
Helen O’Brien, Prof Robert Flower,
Sue Ismay, Tanya Powley
PS14-16 Reduction in anti-D immunoglobulin usage by genotyping:
a cost (and) benefit analysis
A/Prof Catherine Hyland, Glenda Millard,
Helen O’Brien, Eunike McGowan,
Prof Robert Flower, Dr Chris Hogan
PS14-17 Haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) associated with blood
groups (other than RhD): Digital PCR for this “atypical” panel for blood group typing
A/Prof Catherine Hyland, Dr Elizna Schoeman,
Glenda Millard, Helen O’Brien, Prof Robert
Flower, Dr Yew-Wah Liew, Dr Chris Hogan
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
40
PROJECTS
Improving identification of blood groups by genotypingOngoing projects
PS 14-18 Genetic basis for blood groups A/Prof Catherine Hyland, Dr Elizna Schoeman,
Genghis Lopez, Helen O’Brien, Glenda Millard,
Eunike McGowan, Prof Robert Flower,
Dr Yew-Wah Liew; Dr Chris Hogan
PS14-19 What is the risk of alloimmunisation by transfusion of variant RhD
red blood cells that serotype as RhD Negative?
A/Prof Catherine Hyland, Eunike McGowan,
Dr Elizna Schoeman, Genghis Lopez, Glenda
Millard, Prof Robert Flower, Dr Melinda Dean,
Tanya Powley, Dr Chris Hogan
PS14-20 Building capacity to solve complex red cell serology using genetic sequencing Dr Helen Faddy, Dr Melinda Dean, A/Prof
Catherine Hyland, Dr Elizna Schoeman, Glenda
Millard, Helen O’Brien, Genghis Lopez, Eunike
McGowan, Prof Robert Flower, Tanya Powley,
Dr Chris Hogan, Dr Clive Seed, Dr Veronica
Hoad, Dr Robert Harley, Prof Robert Flower
PS15-06 Red cell alloimmunisation: How can extended genotyping support
the ongoing transfusion needs of haemoglobinopathy patients?
A/Prof Catherine Hyland, Dr Elizna Schoeman,
Glenda Millard, Helen O’Brien, Genghis Lopez,
Dr Rena Hirani, Prof Robert Flower,
Prof David Irving
Identifying factors leading to failure of RBC structure and functionCompleted projects
PS 14-21 Modelling genetic risks for poor red cell storage Dr Melinda Dean, Katrina Kildey, Fenny Chong,
Kelly Rooks, Robert Flower
Ongoing projects
PS 14-22 Cellular processes that regulate the lifespan of red blood cells Dr Melinda Dean, Kelly Rooks,
Prof David Irving, Prof Robert Flower
PS 15-07 Points of structural failure that may lead to storage-related
changes of red cells
Prof. Robert Flower, Dr Helen Faddy, Marie
Anne Balanant, Sarah Barns, Amelie Babinet
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
41
HOW MECHANICAL ENGINEERS SEE RED BLOOD CELLSMechanical engineers are using skills normally applied to engineering problems to help us understand more about the human body. Our researchers have joined forces with mechanical engineers at the Queensland University of Technology to model the red blood cell.
During its 120-day lifetime, each of your red blood cells completes around 170,000 circuits of your body, travelling around 500km. During each circuit a red blood cell needs to squeeze through tiny capillaries where it can deliver oxygen to the surrounding tissues. It’s a remarkable feat, and one that becomes more difficult for older blood cells, especially those that have been stored outside the body before a transfusion.
“Red blood cells become less flexible as they age,” explains the Blood Service’s Professor Robert Flower.
“They also change from their flattened disc shape to a spherical shape which doesn’t function as efficiently. When we store blood for transfusion, these changes happen more quickly than they do in the body. Understanding what triggers the changes may help us find ways to make stored blood last longer.”
These changes suggest that something has changed in the network of molecules that supports the cell. Structural supports and changes in flexibility are areas that engineers understand really well. This is where the unlikely alliance between researchers at the Blood Service and mechanical engineers at Queensland University of Technology comes into play. Together, their work will bring greater insight into the changes in flexibility of red blood cells.
The researchers are using computer modelling methods to develop a mathematical model of red blood cells. The computer model describes the shape and physical behaviour of red blood cells, using the concept of a network of springs and anchors inside a flexible casing, which represents the membrane that surrounds the red blood cell.
Professor Flower and his team are working with Professor YuanTong Gu and colleagues from the School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Queensland University of Technology on the project, which is funded by a grant of $350,000 from the Australian Research Council. Doctoral candidates Sarah Barns and Marie Anne Balanant are working on two sides of the project, with Sarah developing the theoretical model, and Marie Anne testing its predictions in a laboratory setting.
The computer model will be used to predict real world outcomes that may be difficult to test otherwise, for example, how red blood cells could flex and squeeze through a narrow capillary. In the future it may help us to select storage solutions that will keep your blood cells fresh for longer after you have donated them.
PRODUCT USAGEThe Product usage research team covers a number
of areas: finding the right product for the patient at
the right time; ensuring appropriate clinical usage
of blood products; and understanding the molecular
mechanisms associated with blood transfusion.
The knowledge gained will provide data on whether
the most effective transfusion practice is being
used to improve patient outcomes, identify the most
effective products for certain clinical settings and
understand the usage for products that are in high
demand, such as O Rh(D) negative red cells.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
Projects within Product usage fall within four themes:
• Clinical trials of novel products• Clinical trials of conventional products• Optimising product usage• Data linkage
Projects underway in this theme are shown in Table 7 on page 44.
Optimising product usage
Despite a decreasing demand for red cells worldwide, the demand for O Rh(D) negative red cells continues unabated, and now represents almost 16% of total red cell demand in Australia. Given that only nine percent of the donor pool are O Rh(D) negative, this group requires particular attention to maintain a balance between supply and demand. An extensive study of the fate of O Rh(D) negative blood units has been conducted this year, tracking the usage of all units nationally over a five week period. The findings will assist in the development of policies and inventory management procedures both within the Blood Service and in hospital settings,
to ensure the most effective use of this precious resource (see Research highlights, page 45).A presentation based on the findings of the retrospective donor leucocyte survival (microchimerism) study completed in 2014-15 was selected for a presentation in the ANZSBT presidential symposium for the annual meeting of HAA. Studies of microchimerism will be expanded in the new year, with a new post graduate student analysing the incidence of donor leucocyte survival (microchimerism) in chronically transfused patients.
Clinical trials of novel products
To extend our knowledge of the ability of frozen platelets to stop bleeding in patients, the Blood Service is participating in a clinical trial of frozen platelets (the “CLIP” trial), in collaboration with researchers from the University of Queensland. The randomised, double blinded study is comparing the feasibility of use and clinical effectiveness of frozen platelets with fresh, liquid-stored platelets that have not been frozen in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Screening and enrolment of cardiac patients is underway at two of three hospital sites. To date 45 patients have been randomised to the trial, and of these, 25 have been enrolled and received a transfusion.
Outcomes from the trial will provide valuable data to support the possible use of frozen platelets in non-military hospitals in the future.
Clinical trials of conventional products
Despite the history of blood transfusion, red blood cell transfusion is associated with adverse events in some critically ill patients. Systematic reviews to date have provided conflicting or inconclusive results on whether the length of red cell storage impacts on outcomes for patients. The Blood Service is a partner in a 42
RESEARCH PROGRAM 2015–2016
large, randomised controlled trial funded by an NHMRC Project grant (the TRANSFUSE study) to examine the effect of age of blood transfused on patient outcomes. Recruitment has continued, with over 4300 of the target of 5000 patients enrolled in the study as of June 30, 2016.
Data linkage
This theme consists of a number of collaborative projects that aim to improve policy and practice through analysing existing and prospective data related to blood product usage and patient outcomes. During 2015-2016, our researchers and their collaborators at the Kolling Institute and the Clinical Excellence Commission completed a four year study to improve the medical treatment of mothers who bleed during childbirth. The study will help doctors better identify when, and to whom, they should give blood transfusions. The study looked at whether the quantities of blood given are appropriate, that blood is given under the right conditions, and what the outcomes are of those transfusions. By understanding how blood is being used in this situation, we can contribute to informing guidelines for clinical practice. A second NHMRC grant has been awarded based on these results, allowing the researchers to examine further questions with the data already gathered.
43
WE ANALYSE HOW BLOOD
PRODUCTS ARE USED SO
WE CAN PROVIDE THE
RIGHT PRODUCT FOR
EVERY PATIENT
PROJECTS
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
44
Table 7: Product usage research projects by theme. This table shows project titles and Blood Service investigators. Our external collaborators are shown in Appendix 5.
Optimising product usageCompleted projects
PU 14-01 Validation of candidate immune biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response
in CIDP patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Dr Wayne Dyer, Dr Joanne Tan, Dr Janet Wong,
Dr Phillip Mondy
Ongoing projects
PU14-02 Blood product safety in massive transfusion recipients
- Does white cell filtration really remove transfusion risk?
Dr Rena Hirani, Dr Wayne Dyer,
Dr Phillip Mondy
PU15-01 To review the use of O negative red cells, cryoprecipitate
and washed red cells nationally.
Dr Rena Hirani, Prof David Irving
Clinical trials of novel productsOngoing projects
PU14-03 Clip Trial - Cryopreserved versus Liquid Stored Platelets for surgical bleeding Dr Denese Marks, Dr Lacey Johnson,
Prof David Irving
PU14-04 A clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of allogeneic serum
eye drops in severe dry eye patients
Dr Denese Marks, Dr Joanne Tan,
Dr Peta Dennington, Prof David Irving
PU14-05 A Phase III prospective, randomised, double-blinded multicentre clinical
trial on clinical efficacy and safety of platelet concentrates treated with the Theraflex
UV-Platelets system in comparison to conventional platelet components
Dr Denese Marks, Dr Lacey Johnson,
Prof David Irving, Dr Peta Dennington
Clinical trials of conventional productsOngoing projects
PU 14-06 TRANSFUSE - Standard Issue Transfusion versus fresher red blood
cell use in intensive care - a randomised controlled trial
Prof David Irving and Dr Philip Mondy
(Associate Investigators and members
of the project Management Committee)
PU14-07 TRANSFUSE Sub Study - Investigating the effects of the age of transfused
red cells on haemolysis and iron metabolism in critically ill patients
Dr Melinda Dean, Prof Robert Flower, Dr Chris
Hogan, Shauna French, Prof David Irving
Data linkageOngoing projects
PU 14-08 Exploring the impact of blood transfusion on maternity outcomes
and healthcare utilisation: informing the use of blood and blood products
in the obstetric setting
Prof David Irving, Dr Janet Wong
PU 14-09 Transfusion Outcomes Research Collaborative II (TORC II) Prof David Irving, Prof Robert Flower, Dr Chris
Hogan (TORC II Steering Committee members)
PU 14-10 Massive Transfusion registry Prof David Irving, Prof Robert Flower, Dr Chris
Hogan (TORC II Steering Committee members)
01
BETTER MANAGEMENT OF THE BLOOD SUPPLY While overall demand for red cells is decreasing, there is a progressive increase in the proportion of red cells which are O Rh(D) negative that are being supplied to health providers. Our O Rh(D) negative donors are being asked to give more frequently than anyone else, since these donors, who make up only nine percent of the population, are supplying more than 15 percent of our red cell demand. So how are these O Rh(D) negative units being used? Where does it all go?
To understand what is causing this demand, our research team surveyed the fate of group O Rh(D) negative red blood cell units issued to all approved Australian health providers within a five week period in 2015. We wanted to find out if the growing demand for this blood type was due to unavoidable changes in transfusion practice or whether there is something that can be modified to reduce the demand.
The survey response gathered data on over 6000 units that were transfused into approximately 3000 patients. The largest avoidable use of O negative units was transfusing them because they were close to expiry, which accounted for almost a quarter of total usage.
We are using the survey results to guide conversations with clinicians and blood bank scientists to develop ways to minimise wastage and manage hospital inventory more effectively while still meeting patients’ needs.
APPENDIX 1
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
46
Publications and invited presentationsPeer reviewed journal articles
Publications which have been epublished ahead of print during the reporting period, 1 July 2015-30 June 2016 are indicated in italics. These items will also appear in print in the following reporting period. Blood Service authors are shown in bold.
Donor behaviourBagot KL, Murray AL, Masser BM How can we improve retention of the first-time donor? A systematic review of the current evidence.
Transfusion Medicine Reviews, 2016 30 (2), 81-91.
Bagot, KL, Masser BM, Starfelt LC, White KM Building a flexible, voluntary donation panel: An exploration of donor willingness.
Transfusion, 2016 56 (1), 186-194.
Bagot KL, Masser BM, White KM Using an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict a Change in the Type of Blood Product
Donated. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2015 49 (4), 510-521.
Chell K, Waller D, Masser B. The blood donor anxiety scale: A six-item state anxiety measure based on the Spielberger State-Trait
Anxiety Inventory. Transfusion, 2016, 56 (6pt2), 1645-1653.
Masser B, France CR, Foot J, Rozsa A, Hayman J, Waller D, Hunder E Improving first-time donor attendance rates through the use of
enhanced donor preparation materials. Transfusion, 2016 56 (6), 1628-1635.
Masser B, Bove LL, White KM, & Bagot KL. Negative experiences and donor return: An examination of the role of asking for something
different. Transfusion 2016 56, 605-613.
Masser B. & Bagot KL Plasmapheresis: Recruitment, retention, and flexible donors. ISBT Science Series 2015 10(S1), 268-274.
Waller D, Thijsen A, Garradd A, Hayman J, Smith G (2015) Donating blood for research: a potential method for enhancing customer
satisfaction of permanently deferred blood donors. Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue:1-7
Donor health and wellbeingBentley P, Bell B, Hoad V. & Pathak P The High Ferritin App: electronic referral to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service for
therapeutic venesection. Transfus Med 2015 25(4), 280-281.
Bentley P, Bell B, & Olynyk J Therapeutic venesection at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service: impact of the High Ferritin Application
on management of hereditary haemochromatosis. Aust Fam Physician, 2015 44(8), 589-592.
Mondy P, Brama T, Fisher J, Gemelli CN, Chee K, Keegan A, Waller D. Sustained Benefits of Autologous Serum Eye Drops on
Self-reported Ocular Symptoms and Vision-related Quality of Life in Australian Patients with Dry Eye and Corneal Epithelial Defects.
Transfusion and Apheresis Science 2015, Dec;53(3):404-11.
Thijsen A, King A, Waller A. Lost in translation: Knowledge, attitudes and practices in donors experiencing a recent vasovagal reaction.
Transfusion and Apheresis Science 2016, Jun 54(3), 384-9.
Waller, D, Mondy, P, Brama T, Fisher J, King A, Malkov K, Wall-Smith D, Ryan L, Irving DO, Determining the effect of vein
visualisation technology on donation success, vasovagal symptoms, anxiety and intention to re-donate in whole blood donors aged
18-30 years: A randomised-controlled trial. Vox Sanguinis. Doi:10.1111/vox.12407. Epub 2016 May 11
APPENDICES
47
Product development and storageFarrugia BL, Chandresekar K, Johnson L, Marks DC, Irving DOI, Lord MS. Perspectives on the use of biomaterials to store platelets for
transfusion. Biointerphases 2016;11:029701. doi: 10.1116/1.4952450.
Johnson L, Tan S, Wood B, Davis A, Marks DC. Refrigeration and cryopreservation of platelets differentially affect platelet metabolism
and function: a comparison with conventional platelet storage conditions. Transfusion 2016. doi: 10.1111/trf.13630. Epub 2016 May 9
Johnson L, Schubert P, Tan S, Devine D, Marks DC. Extended storage and glucose exhaustion are associated with apoptotic changes in
platelets stored in additive solution. Transfusion 2016: 56: 360368.
Johnson L, Hyland RA, Tan S, Tolksdorf F, Sumian C, Seltsam A, Marks DC. In vitro quality of platelets with low plasma carryover treated
with ultraviolet C light for pathogen inactivation. Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy 2016;43:190-197 DOI:10.1159/000441830
Marks DC, Fisher J, Mondy P, Segatchian J, Dennington PM. Serum eye drop preparation in Australia: current manufacturing practice.
Transfusion and Apheresis Science 2015; 53: 92-94.
Raynel S, Padula MP, Marks DC, Johnson L. Cryopreservation alters the membrane and cytoskeletal protein profile of platelet
microparticles. Transfusion 2015; 55: 2422-2432.
Sophocleous RA, Mullany PRF, Winter KM, Marks DC and Sluyter R. Propensity of red blood cells to undergo P2X7 receptor-mediated
phosphatidylserine exposure does not alter during in vivo or ex vivo aging. Transfusion 2015; 55:1946-1955.
Van der Meer PF, Seghatchian J, Marks DC. Quality standards, safety and efficacy of blood-derived serum eye drops: A review.
Transfusion and Apheresis Science 2016; 54: 164-167.
Winter KM, Johnson L, Webb RG, Marks DC. Gamma-irradiation of deglycerolised red cells does not significantly affect in vitro quality.
Vox Sanguinis 2015; 109: 231-238.
Product safetyFaddy HM, Flower RL, Seed CR, Ismay S, Ong E, Linnen JM, Cory R, Holmberg JA, Hall RA, Setoh YX, Deerain JM, Prow NA:
Detection of emergent strains of West Nile virus with a blood screening assay. Transfusion 2016 56(6 Pt 2): 1503-7
Goldman M, Cemborain A, Cote J, El Hamss R, Flower RL, Garaizar A, Garcia-Sanchez F, Hyland CA, Kalvelage M, Londero D, Lopez
GH, Revelli N, Rodriguez-Wilhelmi P, Villa A, Ochoa-Garay G: Identification of six new RHCE variant alleles in individuals of diverse racial
origin. Transfusion 2016; 56: 244-8.
Ki KK, Flower RL, Faddy HM, Dean MM. Incorporation of Fluorescein Conjugated Function-Spacer-Lipid constructs into the red blood
cell membrane facilitates detection of labelled cells for the duration of ex-vivo storage. Journal of Immunological Methods 2016; 429:
66-70.
Lancini DV, Faddy HM, Ismay S, Chesneau S, Hogan C, Flower RLP. Cytomegalovirus in Australian blood donors: seroepidemiology
and seronegative red blood cell component inventories. Transfusion. 2016; 56(6 pt 2): 1616-21.
Lopez GH, Wei L, Ji Y, Condon JA, Luo G, Hyland CA, Flower RL. GYP*Kip, a novel GYP(B-A-B) hybrid allele, encoding the MNS48
(KIPP) antigen. Transfusion 2016; 56: 539-41.
Lopez GH, Morrison J, Condon JA, Wilson B, Martin JR, Liew YW, Flower RL, Hyland CA. Duffy blood group phenotype-genotype
correlations using high-resolution melting analysis PCR and microarray reveal complex cases including a new null FY*A allele: the role
for sequencing in genotyping algorithms. Vox Sang 2015; 109: 296-303.
Lopez GH, McGowan EC, McGrath KA, Abaca-Cleopas ME, Schoeman EM, Millard GM, O’Brien H, Liew Y-W, Flower RL, Hyland CA.
A RhD-positive blood donor with a novel RHD*D-CE(5-6)-D gene variant exhibits the low frequency antigen RH23 (DW) antigen
characteristic of the partial DVa phenotype. Transfusion 2016; doi:10.1111/trf13713 Epub 2016 14-June-16
McBean RS, Wilson B, Liew YW, Hyland CA, Flower RL: Quantitation of Lan antigen in Lan+, Lan+(w) and Lan- phenotypes. Blood
Transfus. 2015;13: 662-5.
McBean RS, Hyland CA, Flower RL: Blood group genotyping: the power and limitations of the Hemo ID Panel and MassARRAY
platform. Immunohematology. 2015;31: 75-80.
APPENDIX 1
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
48
Peer reviewed journal articles (cont.)
Product safetyMcBean R, Liew Y-W, Wilson B, Kupatawintu P, Emthip M, Hyland C, Flower R: Genotyping confirms inheritance of the rare At(a−) type
in a case of haemolytic disease of the newborn. The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research. 2016; 2: 53-5.
Mittag D, Sran A, Chan KS, Boland MP, Bandala-Sanchez E, Huet O, Xu W, Sparrow RL. Stored red blood cell susceptibility to in vitro
transfusion-associated stress conditions is higher after longer storage and increased by storage in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol
compared to AS-1. Transfusion, 2015; 55(9), 2197-2206.
Nayanajith PGH, Saha SC, Sauret E, Flower RF, Gu Y Numerical investigation of motion and deformation of a single red blood cell
in a stenosed capillary. Int J Comput Methods 2015 12:1540003 doi:DOI: 10.1142/S0219876215400034
Ng MSY, Ng ASY, Chan J, Tung JP, Fraser JF. Effects of packed red blood cell storage duration on post-transfusion clinical outcomes:
a meta-analysis and systematic review. Intensive Care Medicine. 2015. 41(12): 2087-97.
Ngui SL, Brant L, Markov PV, Tung JP, Pybus OG, Teo CG, Ramsay ME. Hepatitis C virus genotype 4 in England: diversity and
demographic associations. Journal of Medical Virology. 2015. Mar; 87(3): 417-23.
Osthoff M, Dean MM, Baird PN, Richardson AJ, Daniell M, Guymer RH, Eisen DP; Association Studies of Mannose-Binding Lectin Levels
and Genetic Variants in Lectin Pathway Proteins with Susceptibility to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Case-Control Study. PLOS
one. 2015 Jul 24;10(7) e0134107
Perros A, Christensen AM, Flower RL, Dean MM. Soluble mediators in platelet concentrates modulate dendritic cell inflammatory
responses. Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research 2015 35(10): 821-30.
Petrik J, Lozano M, Seed CR, Faddy HM, Keller AJ, Prado Scuracchio PS, Wendel S, Andonov A, Fearon M, Delage G, Zhang J, Shih JW,
Gallian P, Djoudi R, Tiberghien P, Izopet J, Dreier J, Vollmer T, Knabbe C, Aggarwal R, Goel A, Ciccaglione AR, Matsubayashi K, Satake
M, Tadokoro K, Jeong SH, Zaaijer HL, Zhiburt E, Chay J, Teo D, Chua SS, Piron M, Sauleda S, Echevarria JM, Dalton H, Stramer SL:
Hepatitis E. Vox sanguinis. 2015;110: 93-103.
Polwaththe-Gallage HN, Saha SC, Sauret E, Flower R, & Gu Y. (2015). A coupled SPH-DEM approach to model the interactions between
multiple red blood cells in motion in capillaries. International Journal of Mechanics and Materials in Design, 1-18.
Seed CR, Hoad VC, Faddy HM, Kiely P, Keller AJ, Pink J. Reevaluating the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted Ross River virus
infection. Vox Sanguinis 2016;110: 317-23.
Seed CR, Wong J, Polizzotto MN, Faddy H, Keller AJ, & Pink J. The residual risk of transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus infection
associated with leucodepleted blood components. Vox Sanguinis 2015 109(1), 11-17.
Wei L, Shan ZG, Flower RL, Wang Z, Wen JZ, Luo G. P., & Ji YL The distribution of MNS hybrid glycophorins with Mur antigen
expression in Chinese donors including identification of a novel GYP.Bun allele. Vox Sanguinis. 2016 doi: 10.1111/vox.12421
Young MK, Faddy HM, Fryk J, Nimmo GR, Cripps AW: Hepatitis A virus antibodies in Australian blood donors: Implications for
immunoglobulin sufficiency. Vaccine. 2015;33: 5135-9.
Waller, D, Mondy, P, Brama T, Fisher J, King A, Malkov K, Wall-Smith D, Ryan L, Irving DO, Determining the effect of vein visualisation
technology on donation success, vasovagal symptoms, anxiety and intention to re-donate in whole blood donors aged 18-30 years:
A randomised-controlled trial. Vox Sanguinis. Doi:10.1111/vox.12407. Epub 2016 May 11
APPENDICES
49
Product usageBowen JR, Patterson JA, Roberts CL, Isbister JP, Irving DO, Ford JB. Red cell and platelet transfusions in neonates: a population-
based study. Archives of disease in childhood: Fetal and neonatal edition 2015 100(5):F411-5
Crighton G., Wood AE., Scarborough R, Ho J, & Bowden AD. Haemoglobin disorders in Australia: where are we now and where will
we be in the future? Internal Medicine Journal 2016 doi: 10.1111/imj.13084
Crighton G, Estcourt LJ, Wood EM., & Stanworth SJ. Platelet Transfusions in Patients with Hypoproliferative Thrombocytopenia:
Conclusions from Clinical Trials and Current Controversies. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am, 2016 30(3), 541-560.
Crighton GL, Estcourt LJ, Wood EM, Trivella M, Doree C, & Stanworth S. A therapeutic-only versus prophylactic platelet transfusion
strategy for preventing bleeding in patients with haematological disorders after myelosuppressive chemotherapy or stem cell
transplantation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2016 9, CD010981. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010981.pub2
Hirani, R, Balogh, ZJ., Lott, NJ, Hsu, JM and Irving, DO Leukodepleted blood components do not remove the potential for long-term
transfusion-associated microchimerism in Australian major trauma patients. Chimerism 2015 (3-4):86-93.
McQuilten, ZK, Andrianopoulos N, van de Watering L., Aubron C, Phillips L, Bellomo R., . . . Wood EM. (2015). Introduction of universal
prestorage leukodepletion of blood components, and outcomes in transfused cardiac surgery patients. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 2015
150(1), 216-222.
Mraz GA., Crighton GL., & Christie DJ. Antibodies to human neutrophil antigen HNA-4b implicated in a case of neonatal alloimmune
neutropenia. Transfusion 2016 56 (5) 1161-5
Patterson JA, Irving DO, Isbister JP., Morris JM, Mayson E, Roberts CL., & Ford JB. Age of blood and adverse outcomes in a maternity
population. Transfusion 2015 55(11), 2730-2737.
Perera S, Wang B, Damian A, Dyer W, Zhou L, Conceicao V, Saksena N (2016). Retrospective proteomic analysis of cellular immune
responses and protective correlates of p24 vaccination in an HIV elite controller using antibody arrays. Microarrays; 5: 14.
Internal cross-disciplinary collaborations
Allison KM, Faddy HM, Margaritis A, Ismay S, Marks DC. The impact on blood donor screening for human immunodeficiency virus,
hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus using plasma from frozen-thawed plasma preparation tubes. Transfusion 2016; 56: 449-456.
Faddy HM, Fryk JJ, Watterson D, Young PR, Modhiran N, Muller D, Keil SD, Goodrich RP, Marks DC. Riboflavin and ultraviolet light:
impact on dengue virus infectivity. Vox Sanguinis 2016. doi: 10.1111/vox.12414. Epub 2016 Jun 9.
Faddy HM, Fryk JJ, Prow NA, Watterson D, Young PR, Hall RA, Tolksdorf F, Sumian C, Gravemann U, Seltsam A, Marks DC. Inactivation
of dengue, chikungunya, and Ross River viruses in platelet concentrates after treatment with ultraviolet C light. Transfusion 2016;
56:1548-1555.
Loh YS, Dean MM, Johnson L, Marks DC; Pathogen reduction treatment and subsequent storage of buffy-coat derived platelets alters
production of monocyte inflammatory mediators in a whole blood transfusion model. Vox Sanguinis. 2015 Nov;109(4):327-35.
APPENDIX 1
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
50
Invited publications
Product development and storageMarks D and Johnson L. Are cryopreserved platelets just around the corner? Biopreservation Today (industry publication).
2015; 5(2):11-12.
Seghatchian J, Marks DC. A patient focused application of a non-conventional blood components- autologous serum eye drops
- and current opinions on substances used for clinical management of acute haemorrhage for shock/trauma. Editorial. Transfusion
and Apheresis Science 2016; 53:403.
Van der Meer PF, Eder AF, Marks DC. Turning the Page. Editorial. ISBT Science Series 2015; 10: 1
Johnson L, Raynel S, Seghatchian J, Marks DC. Platelet microparticles in cryopreserved platelets: potential mediators of hemostasis.
Transfusion and Apheresis Science 2015 Oct;53(2):146-52.
Product safetyFaddy HM, Viennet E, Flower RLP. Transfusion risk from emerging pathogens in the Asia-Pacific region. ISBT Science Series. 2016.
Volume 11 (Suppl. 2), 143-148.
Fung YL, Simonova G, Tung JP. Lessons from sheep models of transfusion. ISBT Science Series. 2016. Volume 11 (Suppl. 2), 73-78.
Peer reviewed published abstracts Donor behaviourGemelli CN, Thijsen A, Waller D, Hayman J. Frequent Whole Blood And Apheresis Donors: Understanding Characteristics And Return
Behaviour. In ‘Abstracts of the 26th Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion in conjunction with the 6th
Annual Conference of The Indonesian Society of Transfusion Medicine, Bali, Indonesia, November 14–16, 2015’. Vox Sanguinis 2015,
109: Suppl S2, 1-101.
Thijsen, A, Gemelli, CN, Waller, D, Wright ST, Masser B. Factors Associated with Blood Donation in an Older Population: A Comparison
between Donors and Non-donors. In ‘Abstract Presentations from the AABB Annual Meeting Anaheim, CA, October 24–27, 2015’.
Transfusion. 2015, 55: 3A–245A.
Donor health and wellbeingGemelli CN, Thijsen A, Waller D, Wright ST, Masser B. Impact of Temporary Deferrals on Time to Return: Differences between Established
and Newly Frequent Blood Donors. In ‘Abstract Presentations from the AABB Annual Meeting Anaheim, CA, October 24–27, 2015’.
Transfusion. 2015, 55: 3A–245A.
Thijsen A, Waller D, O’Donovan J, Bell B. Delayed Vasovagal reactions following Blood Donation. In ‘Abstracts of the 26th Regional
Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion in conjunction with the 6th Annual Conference of The Indonesian Society
of Transfusion Medicine, Bali, Indonesia, November 14–16, 2015’. Vox Sanguinis 2015, 109: Suppl S2, 1-101.
Product development and storagede Korte D, Thibault L, Morrison A, Fitzpatrick A, Marks DC, Seltsam A, Acker J., On behalf of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer
Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative. Timing of gamma irradiation and sex of blood donor influences in vitro characteristics of red cell
concentrates Transfusion 2015; 55 (issue S3): 3A-255A.
Johnson L, Hyland R, Tan S, Marks DC A glucose-containing additive supports in vitro recovery of cryopreserved platelets after thawing.
Transfusion 2015; 55 (issue S3): 3A-255A
APPENDICES
51
Product development and storage (cont.)Johnson L, Hyland R, Tan S, Tolksdorf F, Sumian C, Seltsam A, Marks DC. Reduced plasma carryover has little effect on the in vitro quality
of platelets treated with ultraviolet C light for pathogen inactivation. Transfusion 2015; 55 (issue S3): 3A-255A.
Winter KM, Hyland R, Tan S, Fisher JE, Bondar N, Orr A, Marks DC. An assessment of apheresis plasma collected by using
the Haemonetics high-separation core. Transfusion 2015 55 (issue S3): 3A-255A.
Product safetyDean MM, Dunford M, Flower RL, Faddy HM. Biological markers of infection may assist in the identification of early stage viral infection
and serve as a surrogate biomarker to identify asymptomatic Ross River or Barmah Forest virus infection. Journal of Immunology; 2016;
196 (S1) 193.9
Dean MM, Luimstra J, Rooks K, Flower RL. Investigation of immune cell maintenance and function in MBL-sufficient and MBL-deficient
individuals. Journal of Immunology; 2016; 196 (S1) 124.36.
Faddy HM, Viennet E, Flower R. Transfusion Risk From Emerging Pathogens in the Asia-Pacific Region. Vox Sanguinis, Volume 109
(Suppl. 2), November 2015.
Faddy HM, Fryk JJ, Seed CR, Hyland C, Holmberg JA, Flower R. The Search for Dengue Virus in Australian Blood Donations During Local
Outbreaks. Vox Sanguinis, Volume 109 (Suppl. 2), November 2015.
Faddy HM, Fryk JJ, Young PR, Watterson D, Hall RA, Prow NA, Hobson-Peters J, Reichenberg S, Marks DC. Inactivation of Dengue
and Chikungunya Viruses With the Theraflex MB-Plasma System. Vox Sanguinis, Volume 109 (Suppl. 2), November 2015.
Shrestha AC, Flower RLP, Seed CR, Keller AJ, Hoad V, Harley R, Leader R, Polkinghorne B, Furlong C, Faddy HM. Hepatitis E Virus
Infections in Travellers: A Threat in Australia? Vox Sanguinis, Volume 109 (Suppl. 2), November 2015.
Shrestha AC, Flower RLP, Seed CR, Keller AJ, Harley R, Chan HT, Hoad V, Warrilow D, Holmberg JA, Faddy HM. Detection of Hepatitis E
Virus in Australian Blood Donations. Vox Sanguinis, Volume 109 (Suppl. 2), November 2015.
Invited external presentations Donor behaviourBarbara Masser Interview with Natalie Peters on radio station 2GB Brisbane to discuss National Blood Donor Week, 12 June 2016.
Available at http://www.2gb.com/article/natalie-peters-barbara-masser-national-blood-donor-week#xSfFUWr0R8hCMlzC.99
Barbara Masser Interview on 612 ABC radio during National Blood Donor Week, 14 June 2016 Available at http://blogs.abc.net.au/
queensland/2016/06/celebrating-blood-and-blood-donors-with-professor-barbara-masser.html?site=brisbane&program=612_evenings
Transfusion Update session, August 2016. Predicting the future: donor research to impact policy and procedure:
• Dr Daniel Waller: Donor research to support future policy and practice.
• Associate Prof Barbara Masser: The blood donation experience – motivations and barriers to blood donation.
• Prof Bob Slonim: Application of econometric principles in blood donation.
• Dr Stephen Wright: The future of donor research – big data and bio-behavioural studies.
Donor health and wellbeingWright ST The part time statistician: an applied appointment in a large non-government organisation. Mathematical and Statistical
Seminar Series, University of Technology Sydney. 3 June 2015.
Wright ST Outcome-dependent sampling and clustered binary data. Annual Workshop of Australian Research Council Centre
of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers 5 November 2015
APPENDIX 1
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
52
Invited external presentations (cont.)
Product development and storageJenkins E, Wood B, Marks DC, Johnson L. The effects of storage conditions on the glycosylation patterns of platelet receptors. Sydney
Medical School Summer Research Scholarship- Deans prize. Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, 23 February 2016. *Awarded Deans Prize
for best presentation*
Johnson L (presented by Marks DC). Inter-laboratory comparison of frozen platelet quality. Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion
Collaborative. Long Beach, California, USA 21-22
Loh YS, Lu Z, Zreiqat H, Marks DC. Platelet Lysate: A suitable substitute for foetal bovine serum for propagation of therapeutic human
cells. Biotherapeutics Association of Australia. Brisbane, Australia 23 October, 2015
Marks DC. Survey: Blood collection and processing methods for serum eye drops. Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion
Collaborative. Long Beach, California, USA 21-22 October, 2015
Marks DC and van der Meer, P. Development of guidelines for serum eye drop production. Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion
Collaborative. Oxford, UK, 15-16 April 2016.
Marks DC. Can we extend the shelf-life of cryoprecipitate? Strategic Blood Forum, Sydney, Australia. 25 November 2015
Tan JCG. How research and development supports the Blood Service. University of Sydney Central Clinical School Young Investigator
Seminar 26 April, 2016
Tan, JCG. Blood Groups and Antibodies Prince of Wales Hospital Haematology Oncology Day Clinic Seminar 20 November 2015
L Johnson. Occasional address at Autumn Science Faculty Graduation, UTS, 26 April 2016
L Johnson. Frozen blood products become a practical reality, Festschrift for Narelle Woodland, UTS, 16 June 2016
Product safetyDean MM.Transfusion-associated immune modulation in cardiac surgery:Study overview. The Prince Charles Hospital, 16 February 2016
Faddy HM. Transfusion transmissible pathogens relevant to the region. IPFA Asia Pacific Workshop, 8 March 2016.
Faddy HM. Transfusion risk from emerging pathogens in the Asia Pacific Region. 26th Regional Congress of the International Society
for Blood Transfusion, 16 November 2015.
Faddy HM. Transfusion transmitted infectious diseases in Australia: Current practice and research activities, Hologic, 28 August 2015.
Faddy HM. Flower RLP. Is Dengue an increasing risk in Australia? HSANZ/ANZSBT/ASTH Annual Scientific Meeting, 23 October 2015.
Faddy HM. How do blood services evaluate and manage new infectious threats to blood safety? Transfusion Outcomes Research
Collaborative symposium, 11 September 2015.
Faddy HM. Mosquito-borne threats to Australia; consequences for blood supply safety. Transfusion update: dengue fever update,
11 November, 2015.
Hyland CA. Application of Molecular Techniques in the investigation of blood group systems Advanced Transfusion Science Workshop,
RMIT, Melbourne, Victoria. Friday 4th September, 2015.
Hyland CA. Gene sequencing and the future of genotyping in transfusion medicine Advanced Transfusion Science Workshop, RMIT,
Melbourne, Victoria. Friday 4th September, 2015.
Hyland CA “Transfusion Symposium” -Rh Background Information Saturday; HSANZ/ANZSBT/ASTH Annual Scientific Meeting Adelaide
Convention Centre 17 October, 2015.
Hyland CA 2016 Cell free fetal RHD genotyping Transfusion Update Melbourne Convention Centre, Thursday 2 June 2016
Tung JP. Introduction of animal models in transfusion. Transfusion Update. Brisbane, Australia. 9 September 2015.
Tung JP. TRALI: in sickness and in sheep. Transfusion Update. Brisbane, Australia. 9 September 2015.
APPENDICES
53
Product usageHirani R Does leucodepletion remove long-term transfusion related outcomes in recipients? HAA joint scientific meeting (ANZSBT
presidential symposium), 18 - 20 October 2015
Hirani R O RhD negative blood use Strategic Blood Forum, 25 November 2015
Hirani R O Rh(D) negative blood usage survey Transfusion Update, 2 - 3 June 2016
Tan JCG Blood Groups and Antibodies Prince of Wales Hospital Haematology Oncology Day Clinic Seminar, 20 November 2015
Tan JCG How Research & Development Supports the Blood Service University of Sydney Central Clinical School Young Investigator
Seminar, 29 April 2016
Books and other materials Donor behaviourRussell-Bennett, R, Smith, G, Chell, K, Goulden, J. Social influence and blood donation: Cultural differences between Scotland
and Australia. In Wymer, W (Ed.) Innovations in social marketing and public health communication: Improving the quality of life
for individuals and communities. Springer International Publishing, Cham, Switzerland, 133-158.
Product development and storageBen Wood Honours Thesis, 2015. Using proteomics to understand the mechanisms mediating the haemostatic function of cold-stored
platelets. The University of Technology, Sydney. *Awarded first class honours*
Product safetyGould A, Faddy H. Disease in the dust GrassROOTS. Summer 2015/16 edition, .
Gould A, Faddy H Disease in the dust Life donor magazine. Summer 2015/16. .
Faddy H, Seed C. Blood safety and the Ross River virus. Transfusion Today. Number 105, 2015,
Yu Ji, Masters of Science Thesis, 2016. Genetic Factors Associated with Blood Donation Career: Iron Metabolism and Storage.
The University of Queensland.
Anna Coghlan MBBS Honours Thesis, 2015. The benefit of deferring donations from Australian blood donors returned from travelling
abroad. The University of Queensland.
Elise Hewlett Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours Thesis, 2015. Investigating the prevalence of Ross River and Liao ning viruses
in the Australian blood supply. The University of Queensland.
Katrina Kildey PhD Thesis, 2016. Genetic studies of red blood cell differentiation and stability: ENU-induced murine mutations
Queensland University of Technology.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
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APPENDIX 1International database listings
When a new variant of a gene is discovered it is important that this information is available to inform genetic analysis and establish discovery. In this reporting period, a number of novel variants of blood group genes were discovered by the R&D team and were published in Genbank, the most widely accessed and recognised repository of genetic information. All entries in Genbank are reviewed and curated by independent experts to ensure their novelty and accuracy.
GenBank Accession Numbers GenBank Accession Number KX363592. Shrestha, AC, Flower RLP, Seed CR, Keller AJ, Harley R, Chan HT, Hoad V, Warrilow D, Northill J,
Holmberg JA. and Faddy HM. Hepatitis E virus RNA in Australian blood donations, methyltransferase (ORF1) bases 1 to 295.
GenBank Accession KX363593. Shrestha AC, Flower RLP, Seed CR, Keller AJ, Harley R, Chan H-T, Hoad V, Warrilow D, Northill J,
Holmberg JA and Faddy HM. Hepatitis E virus RNA in Australian blood donations, ORF2/3 bases 1 to 97
Mouse Genome Informatics MGI:5705148. Kildey K, Flower RL, Tran TV, Tunningley R, Harris J, and Dean MM, Ank1, Chromosome 8
location 22974844- 23150497.
GenBank Accession Number KT037686 McBean RS, Hyland C, Liew YW. and Flower RL. Homo sapiens equilibrative nucleoside
transporter 1 variant ata (SLC29A1) gene, partial cds
GenBank Accession Number KP136911 Hyland C, Ochoa G. Homo sapiens Rhesus blood group CE antigen (RHCE) gene,
RHCE*ce202G allele, exon 2 and partial cds
NCBI.NIH Clinical variation data base. rs number 869312818 Schoeman E, Flower R. Single nucleotide variant on Cromer blood group:
Affected gene is CD55 molecule (Cromer blood group) CD55.. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 21 March 2016
APPENDICES
55
APPENDIX 2Grants Active 2015-16
Donor behaviour$864 100 Behavioural Economics to better understand and increase plasma and bone marrow donations. Australian
Research Council Discovery Project (DP150101307; 2015-19); Chief Investigator: Slonim R.
$392 000 Emotional psychology of blood donors: Understanding and using the affective key to donor return. Australian
Research Council Linkage Project with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (LP140100034; 2015-17);
Chief Investigators: Williams L, Masser B.
$229 905 Evaluating a model for culturally relevant interventions to increase blood donation and overcome perceived
blood donation barriers among migrant communities. Australian Research Council Linkage Project with the
Australian Red Cross Blood Service (LP120200065; 2013-16) Chief Investigators: Polonsky M, Renzaho A,
Smith G, Jones S.
Product development and storage$10,000 Understanding the mechanisms mediating the haemostatic function of cold-stored platelets. ANZSBT;
Chief Investigators: Johnson L, Marks DC Associate Investigator; Padula M.
$360,000 Biomimetic Blood Bag materials for prolonged platelet storage. Australian Research Council Linkage grant
(LP140101056 2014-2017) Investigators: Whitelock, JM, Lord MS; Farrugia BL; Irving DO
Product safety$450 000 The first integrated multimodal assay for the ultrasensitive detection of dengue contamination of blood.
Australian Research Council Linkage grant; Chief Investigators: Cooper M, Young P, Mahler S; Partner
Investigators: Faddy H, Irving D, Flower R
$382 000 Develop a novel modelling framework to represent the biomechanical properties of red blood cells over time
under stored conditions. Australian Research Council Linkage grant; Chief Investigators; Gu YT, Sauret E,
Saha S, Xiao; Partner Investigators: Flower RLP, Faddy HM.
$10 000 Investigation of transfusion related modulation of dendritic cell function in cardiac surgery patients. The Prince
Charles Hospital Foundation New Investigator Grant: Chief Investigator: Perros A. Mentor: Dean MM
$16 500 Exposure of damage associated molecular patterns during routine blood storage: potential mechanisms
associated with red blood cell clearance and post-transfusion immunomodulation. Australia and New Zealand
Society of Blood Transfusion Research Fund. Chief Investigator: Dean MM. Associate Investigators: Ki KK,
Chong FN, Flower RL.
$599 995.32 Advanced Cardio-respiratory Therapies Improving OrgaN Support (ACTIONS). The Prince Charles Hospital
Foundation Program Grant. Chief Investigators: Fraser JF, Gregory SD, Shekar K, Olive C, Tansley G, Platts
DG, Tung JP, McGiffin DC, Thomson B, Bull T; Associate Investigators: Barnett AG, Bannon P, Marasco S,
Anstey C, Timms D, Brodie D, Moore J, Fanning J, Spooner A, Simmonds MJ, Molenaar P, Robins E; Junior
Investigators: Yuen A, Diab S, Pauls JP. McDonald C, Ng MSY, Simonova G, Sutt AL, Martin H.
$949 279 Understanding tissue responses to fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion during ovine sepsis to improve
outcomes (APP1061382). NHMRC Project Grant. Chief Investigators: Fraser JF, Maitland K, Shekar K, Chew
MS, Reade MC, Fung YL, Tung JP; Associate Investigators: Barnett AG, Nichol A, Sim B, Platts DG, Moore
JP, Turnbridge M, Singer M, Ng MSY, Bellomo R
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
56
APPENDIX 2Grants Active 2015-16
Product safety (cont.)$200 000 Adding “Insult to Injury” – The effect of fresh and aged blood to oxygenation, metabolism and organ function
in a clinically relevant trauma/sepsis model. Queensland Emergency Medicine Research Foundation
(QEMRF) Project Grant. Staib A, Fraser JF, Fung YL, Shekar K, Chew MS, Reade M, Tung JP, McDonald C,
Collier J, Dunster KD, Diab S, Barnett AG.
$350 000 A new biomechanical model for the understanding of aging of stored red blood cells. (2015-2018)
ARC linkage grant Investigators: Flower RF, Faddy H, Gu YT, Sauret E, S Saha S, Xiao Y
Product usage$470 063 Exploring the impact of blood transfusion on maternity outcomes and healthcare utilisation:informing the
use of blood and blood products in the obstetric setting. NHMRC Chief investigators: Ford J (University
of Sydney), Irving DO, Nicholl M.(NSW Kids and Families)
$2 761 870 STandarRd issue trANsfusion versuS Fresher red blood cell Use in intenSive care (TRANSFUSE) NHMRC
Project Grant (2012-2015) Investigators: Cooper DJ, Nichol AD, French C, Street A, Bellomo R,
Irving D and Mondy P (2012-2015)
New Grant Applications: Successful Product safety$10 000 BioPlatforms Australia. End user access and engagement grant. Chief Investigator: Hirani R.
$470 063 Exploring the impact of blood transfusion on maternity outcomes and healthcare utilisation: informing the
use of blood and blood products in the obstetric setting National Health and Medical Research Council
(NHMRC)/Partnership Projects. (May 2016-June 2020) Chief Investigators: Ford J, Roberts C, Irving D,
Morris J, Nicholl M, Bowen J;
$4 340 802 ARC Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation. Australian Research Council, Industrial
Transformation Training Centres. Chief Investigators: Mahler S, Alexandrov K, Barnard R, Francois M,
Gray P, Hodson M, Hou J, Howard C, Jones M, Lua L, Osborne G, Schulz B, Young P. Partner Investigators:
Andrews A, Dean MM, Flower RL, Glover D, Irving D, Lee YY, Nisbet I, Nielsen L, O’Meara T, Owczarek C,
Panousis C, Sandford V, Shave E, Tung JP, Wilson M.
$4 996 416 Centres of Research Excellence - Australian Partnership (for) Preparedness Research on InfectiouS
(disease) Emergencies (APPRISE) National Health and Medical Research Council CI team: Professor
Sharon Lewin, Professor Tania Sorrell, Professor Jodie McVernon, Professor Steve Webb,Professor John
Kaldor, Professor Ross Andrews, Professor Allen Cheng, Professor Gwendolyn Gilbert, Professor David
Smith, Professor Soren Alexandersen
APPENDICES
57
APPENDIX 3Abstracts accepted for conference oral or poster presentations
Donor behaviourGemelli CN, Thijsen A, Waller D, Wright ST, Masser BM. Impact of temporary deferrals on time to return: Differences between established
and newly frequent blood donors. The Annual Meeting of the AABB, 22-27 October 2015, California, USA (Poster)
Gemelli CN, Thijsen A, Waller D, Hayman J. Frequent Whole Blood And Apheresis Donors: Understanding Characteristics And Return
Behaviour. ISBT Regional Meeting, 14-16 November 2015, Bali Indonesia (Poster)
Gemelli CN, Williams LA, Thijsen A. Motivations of blood donors: the impact of self-determined motives on donor return. Society
of Australasian Social Psychologists Annual Meeting, 31 March-2nd April 2016, Brisbane Australia (Oral)
Thijsen A, Gemelli CN, Williams LA. Predicting blood donor return using identity and theory of planned behaviour. Society of Australasian
Social Psychologists Annual Meeting, 31 March-2nd April 2016, Brisbane Australia (Oral)
Donor health and wellbeingGemelli CN, Ji Y, Hayman J, Waller D. Haemolysis of red blood cells: Examining demographic and lifestyle impacts. HAA Joint Scientific
Meeting, 18-21 October 2015. Adelaide, Australia (Poster)
Thijsen A, Gemelli CN, Wright ST, Waller D, Masser BM. Factors associated with Blood donation in an older population: A comparison
between donors and Non-donors. AABB Annual Meeting, 22-27 October. California, United States of America (Poster)
Thijsen A, Waller, D, O’Donovan, J, Bell, B. Delayed Vasovagal reactions following Blood Donation. ISBT Regional Conference,
14-16 November 2015. Bali Indonesia (Poster)
Product development and storageLoh YS, Kwok M, and Marks DC. Pathogen inactivation and storage of platelets increases neutrophil-platelet aggregation
and IL-8 secretion. HAA2015, Adelaide, Australia, 18-21 October 2015. (Poster)
Tan S, Marks DC, Johnson L. Does the method used to manufacture plasma affect its haemostatic activity? HAA2015, Adelaide, Australia,
18-21 October 2015. (Poster) *Awarded Young investigator for best abstract
Wood B, Padula M, Marks DC, Johnson L. Cold-induced morphological changes of platelet concentrates may be mediated by alterations
in cytoskeletal proteins. 32nd Combined Health Science Conference, New Horizons, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. 23-25
November 2015. (Poster) *Won Best Poster presentation*
Tan S, Tatuava T, Picozzi K, Waters N. Knowledge, attitudes and practice of blood donation in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. HAA2015,
Adelaide, Australia, 18-21 October 2015. (oral)
de Korte D, Thibault L, Morrison A, Fitzpatrick A, Marks DC, Seltsam A, J Acker, On behalf of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer
Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative. Timing of gamma irradiation and sex of blood donor influences in vitro characteristics of red cell
concentrates Transfusion. 2015; 55 (issue S3): 3A-255A. (Oral)
Johnson L, Hyland R, Tan S, Marks DC A glucose-containing additive supports in vitro recovery of cryopreserved platelets after thawing.
Transfusion. 2015; 55 (issue S3): 3A-255A (Poster)
Johnson L, Hyland R, Tan S, Tolksdorf F, Sumian C, Seltsam A, Marks DC. Reduced plasma carryover has little effect on the in vitro
quality of platelets treated with ultraviolet C light for pathogen inactivation. Transfusion. 2015; 55 (issue S3): 3A-255A. (Poster)
Winter KM, Hyland R, Tan S, Fisher JE, Bondar N, Orr A, Marks DC. An assessment of apheresis plasma collected by using
the Haemonetics high-separation core. Transfusion. 2015; 55 (issue S3): 3A-255A. (Poster)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
58
APPENDIX 3Abstracts accepted for conference oral or poster presentations (cont.)
Product safetyAung HH, Tung JP, Dean MM, Flower RL, Pecheniuk NM. A potential procoagulant role of red blood cell derived microparticles: Risk factor
for adverse outcomes in transfusion. Annual Scientific Meeting of HAA. 18th – 21st October 2015. Adelaide, Australia. (poster)
Boon AC, Narula M, Diab S, Passmore M, Fung YL, Shekar K, Tung JP, Fraser JF. ECMO therapy with blood transfusion attenuates
myocardial inflammation and injury in an ovine model of S-ALI. The Prince Charles Hospital Annual Health Discoveries Forum.
5th – 6th November 2015. Brisbane, Australia. (oral)
Byrne L, Diab S, Passmore M, Dunster K, Boon AC, Fauzi MH, Tung JP, Van Haren F, Obonyo N, Maitland K, Anstey C, Shekar K, Fraser
JF. Septic Shock Does Not Impair Cardiac, Renal or Cerebral Oxidative Metabolism But May Impair Splanchnic Metabolism in an Ovine
Model of Supported Endotoxaemic Shock. Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) / Australian College of Critical Care
Nurses (ACCCN) Intensive Care Annual Scientific Meeting. 29th – 31st October 2015. Auckland, New Zealand. (oral)
Byrne L, Obonyo N, Diab S, Passmore M, Dunster K, Boon AC, Tung JP, Shekar K, Cullen L, Maitland K, Fraser JF. Fluid resuscitation
and blood transfusion result in higher vasopressor requirements in an ovine model of endotoxemic shock. The Prince Charles Hospital
Annual Health Discoveries Forum. 5th – 6th November 2015. Brisbane, Australia. (oral)
Coghlan A, Flower R, Seed C, Herbert D, Hoad V, Harley R, Yang HS, Faddy H. The benefit of deferring donations from Australian blood
donors travelling abroad. HSANZ/ANZSBT/ASTH Annual Scientific Meeting, 18 – 21 October 2015. Adelaide, Australia. (Oral presentation)
Coghlan A, Flower R, Seed C, Herbert D, Hoad V, Harley R, Yang HS, Faddy H. The yield of deferring blood donations from Australian
blood donors returned from travelling abroad. UQ Undergraduate Student Symposium, 15 – 16 September 2015. Brisbane,Australia (Oral).
Colbran R, Dean M, Flower R, Harley R, Faddy H. The Role of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service Donor History Questionnaire in
Detecting Acute Retroviral Syndrome and Maintaining HIV Transfusion Safety. UQ Undergraduate Student Symposium, 15 – 16 September
2015. Brisbane, Australia (Oral).
Dean MM, Dunford M, Flower RL, Faddy HM. Biological markers of infection may assist in the identification of early stage viral infection
and serve as a surrogate biomarker to identify asymptomatic Ross River or Barmah Forest virus infection. American Association
of Immunologists, 2016, May 13 -17, 2016 Seattle, USA. (Poster)
Dean MM, Luimstra J, Rooks K, Flower RL. Investigation of immune cell maintenance and function in MBL-sufficient and MBL-deficient
individuals. American Association of Immunologists, 2016, May 13 -17, 2016 Seattle, USA. (Poster)
Faddy HM. Transfusion transmissible pathogens relevant to the region. IPFA Asia Pacific Workshop, 8 – 9 March 2016. Taipei, Taiwan.
(Invited Presentation).
Faddy HM, Viennet E, Flower R. Transfusion Risk From Emerging Pathogens in the Asia-Pacific Region. Vox Sanguinis, Volume 109
(Suppl. 2), November 2015. The 26th Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, 14 November – 16 2015.
Bali, Indonesia. (Invited presentation).
Faddy HM, Fryk JJ, Seed CR, Hyland C, Holmberg JA, Flower R. The Search for Dengue Virus in Australian Blood Donations During
Local Outbreaks. The 26th Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, 14 November – 16 November 2015.
Bali, Indonesia. (Poster).
Faddy HM, Fryk JJ, Young PR, Watterson D, Hall RA, Prow NA, Hobson-Peters J, Reichenberg S, Marks DC. Inactivation of Dengue
and Chikungunya Viruses With the Theraflex MB-Plasma System. The 26th Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood
Transfusion, 14 November – 16 November 2015. Bali, Indonesia. (Poster).
Faddy HM, Rooks KM, Seed CR, Harley RJ, Chan HT, Keller AJ, Dennington PM, Hoad VC, Stramer SL, Berardi VP, Irwin PJ, Senanayake S,
Flower RLP. Babesia sero-epidemiology in Australian blood donors. International conference of emerging infectious diseases,
24 – 26 August 2015, Atlanta, USA. (Poster presentation).
APPENDICES
59
Product safety (cont)Flower RLP, Shrestha AC, Faddy HM. Hepatitis E virus as an emerging risk to blood safety: An Australian perspective. 8th International
Blood Transfusion Congress, Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT), 31 May – 1 June 2016. Kigali Rwanda. (Oral)
R Flower, Liew Y-W, Wilson B, Kupatawintu P, Emthip M, Hyland CA, McBean RS. Molecular genotyping and a potential 36th blood group
system: the rs45458701 variant in the ENT 1 transporter in a patient typing as At(a) negative HSANZ/ANZSBT/ASTH Annual Scientific
Meeting, 18 – 21 October 2015. Adelaide, Australia. (ANZSBT Presidential Symposium)
Flower RL, Schoeman E, Liew Y-W, Condon J, Powley T, Lopez G, Hogan C, Hyland CA Massively Parallel Sequencing in Complex Blood
Group Investigations: Resolving the Previously Unresolvable – International Academy of Pathology Australasian Division 40th Annual
Scientific Meeting: (Poster presentation)
Flower RL, Schoeman EM, McGowan E, Millard G, Lopez G, O’Brien H, Hyland CA African RHD blood group genotypes as a complication
of non-invasive prenatal testing 8th International Congress:Africa Society for Blood Transfusion 31st May to 1st June 2016 Kigali,
Rwanda: (oral presentation)
Hyland CA, Millard G, O’Brien H, McGowan E, Tremellen A, Flower RL, Puddenphatt R, Hyett J, Gardener G. Feasibility of applying non-
invasive fetal RHD genotyping to determine which D-negative pregnant women require anti-natal anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis:
HSANZ/ANZSBT/ASTH Annual Scientific Meeting, 18 – 21 October 2015. Adelaide, Australia. (Poster presentation)
Hyland CA, Lopez G, McGowan E, Millard G, Liew YW, Flower RL Non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping for D-negative women harbouring
RHD*D-CE-D gene variants: accuracy in detection of fetal specific RHD signals HSANZ/ANZSBT/ASTH Annual Scientific Meeting,
18 – 21 October 2015. Adelaide, Australia. (Poster presentation)
Hyland CA, Schoeman E, McGrath K, Wilson B, Lin HC, Wu HC, Flower RL, Powley T, Liew LW. Investigation of a Patient With a Pan-
Reactive Red Cell Antibody Inhibited By Soluble Cd 55: MPS Reveals a Homozygous Novel Cromer Blood Group Allele. 26th Regional
Congress of the ISBT Bali, Indonesia (Poster presented by H Faddy)
Ji Y, Faddy H, Hyland C, Waller D, Flower R. Genetic Factors Associated with Ferritin Levels in Australian Blood donors. HSANZ/ANZSBT/
ASTH Annual Scientific Meeting, 18 – 21 October 2015. Adelaide, Australia. (Poster presentation)
Ki KK, Flower RL, Faddy HM, Dean MM. Differential modulation of inflammatory mediator production by dendritic cell subsets in
an in vitro model of red blood cell transfusion. European Congress of Immunology, 6-9 September 2015, Vienna, Austria. (Poster)
Perros AJ, Christensen AM, Flower RL, Dean MM. Transfusion-Related Immune Modulation: Impact of Dose and Ex-vivo Storage of Platelet
Concentrates on Dendritic Cell (DC) Responses. The Prince Charles Hospital Annual Health Discoveries Forum. 5th November 2015. (Oral)
Perros AJ, Christensen AM, Flower RL, Dean MM. The Interaction Of Leucocyte Subsets Is Critical For The Assessment Of Mechanisms
Associated With Transfusion-Related Immunomodulation. Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion Combined Scientific
Meeting, Adelaide Australia; October 2015. (Poster)
Prow NA, McLean B, Colmant AMG, Deerain J, O’Brien C, Harrison JJ, Piyasena TBH, Warrilow D, Webb CE, Hobson-Peters J, Faddy
HM, Suhrbier A, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Hall RA. Assessing the risk of a newly emerged reovirus, Liao Ning virus to the Australian
population. 8th Australasian Virology Society (AVS) Meeting, 6-9 December 2015, Hunter Valley, Australia (Poster).
Rooks K, Chong FN, Tung JP, Flower RL, Dean MM. An interim analysis: do donor and/or processing associated parameters contribute
to biological variation in biological response modifiers (BRMs) in packed red blood cells? Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood
Transfusion Combined Scientific Meeting, Adelaide Australia; October 2015.(Poster)
Shrestha AC, Flower RLP, Seed CR, Keller AJ, Hoad V, Harley R, Leader R, Polkinghorne B, Furlong C, Faddy HM. Hepatitis E Virus
Infections in Travellers: A Threat in Australia? The 26th Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, 14 November
– 16 November 2015. Bali, Indonesia. (Poster).
Shrestha AC, Flower RLP, Seed CR, Keller AJ, Harley R, Chan HT, Hoad V, Warrilow D, Holmberg JA, Faddy HM. Detection of Hepatitis E
Virus in Australian Blood Donations. The 26th Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, 14 November
– 16 November 2015. Bali, Indonesia. (Poster).
Wei L, Ju Y. Luo G, Hyland CA, Flower R. Hybrid glycophorins: silent genetic variants complicate genetic testing:– International Academy
of Pathology Australasian Division 40th Annual Scientific Meeting: (Poster presentation)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
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APPENDIX 3Abstracts accepted for conference oral or poster presentations (cont.)
Product usageHirani R. Does leucocyte filtration really remove long-term transfusion related outcomes in recipients? HAA Joint Scientific Meeting,
18 – 20 October 2015 (Oral)
Tan JCG, Yuan FF, Daley, J, Marks K, Flower RL, Dyer WB. Homozygosity for the HLA-DRB1*15 allele is associated with a Responder
profile in RhD-immunised blood donors. International Congress of Immunology. 21-26 August 2016. Melbourne, Australia. (Poster)
Dyer W, Tan J, Dean M, Irving D. Immunopathogenic pathways of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and
markers of clinical efficacy of immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment. Australian Cytometry Society Annual Scientific Conference, 11-14 October
2015, Perth, WA. (poster)
APPENDICES
61
APPENDIX 4Student projects
R&D team members collaborate with universities, research institutes and hospitals to support students undertaking original research under the supervision of senior Blood Service Researchers. A full listing of students and their project titles appears on the following pages. Blood Service supervisors are shown in bold.
Student name Supervisors Project title Institution Degree
Amelie Babinet (current) Natalie Pecheniuk, Marie-
Anne Balanant, John-Paul
Tung, Robert Flower
Red cell storage duration and
procoagulant effects: Role of
microparticles and smaller particles.
ONIRIS (College
of Food and
Health science
and Technology
Engineering), France
Masters in
Biotechnology of
Health, Final year
student placement
Marie Anne Balanant YuanTong Gu, Robert
Flower, Emilie Sauret and
Suvash Saha
Experimental study of the aging
effects on the Red Blood Cell
membrane during storage
QUT PhD
Sarah Barns Yuan Tong Gu, Emilie
Sauret, Robert Flower,
Suvash Saha
Numerical Modelling of Red
Blood Cell Morphological and
Deformability Changes during
the Cell Aging Process in Storage
QUT PhD
Liam Byrne (current) Frank van Haren, John-
Paul Tung, John Fraser
Fluid resuscitation during sepsis:
Effects upon the microcirculation
ANU PhD
Kathleen Chell Rebekah Russell-Bennett,
Gary Mortimer, Geoff
Smith, Tanya Davison
The impact of private and public
online donor appreciation on
charitable behaviour
QUT PhD
Sophie Chen Tan, JCG, Marks, DC Assessment of serum growth factor
inter-donor variability and the
impact on human corneal epithelial
cell proliferation and migration
University of Sydney 2015-16 Summer
Research
Scholarship
Anne-Marie Christensen
(current)
Melinda Dean, John-Paul
Tung, Damien Harkin,
Robert Flower
Extracellular traps and TRALI:
more than just neutrophils
QUT PhD
Anna Coghlan
(completed)
Helen Faddy, Robert Flower The effect of temporary exclusion of
blood donors exposed to emerging
infections while travelling
UQ MBBS Honours
Rachel Colbran (current) Helen Faddy, Melinda Dean,
Robert Flower, Robert
Harley
Is the current blood donor
questionnaire effective in screening
for donor HIV seroconversion?
UQ MBBS Honours
Elise Gorman (current) Helen Faddy, Francesca
Frentiu, Robert Flower
Is Parvovirus B19 a concern
for blood safety in Australia
QUT Bachelor of
Biomedical Science
Honours
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
62
APPENDIX 4Student projects (cont.)
Student name Supervisors Project title Institution Degree
Elise Hewlett
(completed)
Roy Hall, Natalie Prow,
Helen Faddy
Isolation of RRV and LNV from
human blood donor samples
to assess possible risk blood
transfusion recipients
UQ Bachelor of
Biomedical Science
Honours
Emily Jenkins Lacey Johnson The effects of storage conditions
on the glycosylation patterns
of platelet receptors.
University of Sydney 2015-16 Summer
Research
Scholarship
Yu Ji (completed) Helen Faddy, Catherine
Hyland, Robert Flower
Genetic Factors Associated with
Donation Career: Iron Metabolism
and Storage
UQ Masters
Sunnya Khawaja
(completed)
Helen Faddy, Robert Flower Assisting with research into the
risk to Australia’s blood supply
of emerging infectious diseases.
QUT Bachelor of Public
Health, Final year
student placement
Katrina Ki (current) Melinda Dean, Helen Faddy,
Robert Flower
The role of Clec9A in transfusion
related immune modulation
UQ PhD
Katrina Kildey
(completed)
Melinda Dean, Robert
Flower, Jonathan Harris
Investigation of blood physiology
and hematological disease through
analysis of mice with novel ENU-
induced phenotypes
QUT PhD
Christine Knauth Catherine Hyland
Robert Flower
RhD alloimmunisation:
Risk mitigation
QUT PhD
Assia Moussa Christine Knauth, Elizna
Schoeman, Robert Flower,
Catherine Hyland, Terry
Walsh
The frequency and clinical
significance of In(Lu) variants
QUT Honours
Oliver McGrath
(completed)
Helen Faddy, Ashish
Shrestha, Robert Flower,
Anne-Marie Christensen
Investigation of hepatitis E virus
infection in a cohort of patients
with acute hepatitis
QUT Bachelor of
Science, Vacation
Research
Experience Scholar
Elissa Milford (current) Michael Reade,
John-Paul Tung
Effects of commonly used and
emerging resuscitation fluids on end
organ function in severe trauma
UQ PhD
Monica Ng (current) John Fraser,
John-Paul Tung
The double whammy: impact of
activated endothelium and stored
blood transfusion on microparticle
formation and thrombosis.
UQ PhD
Alexis Perros (current) Melinda Dean, Helen Faddy,
Robert Flower, Stuart Kellie
Investigation of transfusion-related
modulation of dendritic cell function
in cardiac surgery patients
UQ PhD
APPENDICES
63
Student name Supervisors Project title Institution Degree
Kyle Raubenheimer Oliver Neubauer, Natalie
Pecheniuk, John-Paul Tung
The Acute Effects of Nitrate-Rich
Beetroot Juice on Vascular Health
and Haemostatics in the Elderly
QUT (IHBI) Honours
Beatrice Sim (current) John Fraser,
John-Paul Tung
Blood transfusion and risk of sepsis UQ MPhil
Gabriela Simonova
(current)
John-Paul Tung, Melinda
Dean, Michael Reade
Developing laboratory models to
help translate findings from the
sheep model to the clinical setting
UQ PhD
Annette Sultana
(current)
John-Paul Tung Investigation of different
mechanisms that contribute to the
development of transfusion-related
acute lung injury (TRALI)
UQ PhD
Tayla Tatzenko (current) Helen Faddy, Melinda Dean,
Robert Flower
Occult hepatitis C infection: Is
there a risk to transfusion safety?
UQ MBBS Honours
Shaba Vakalia Robert Flower, Louise
Hafner, Rena Hirani, David
Roxby and David Irving
Evaluating the benefits of extended
blood group genotyping in
chronically transfused patients
QUT PhD
Lauren Waters Lacey Johnson, Matthew
Padula (UTS)
Characterisation of the ability of
platelets to respond to activation
signals following cryopreservation
UTS Bachelor of
Biomedical Science
(Honours)
Peter Watson-Brown
(current)
Helen Faddy, Robert Flower Assessing the risk of zika virus
transmission in Australia
UQ MBBS Honours
Ben Wood Lacey Johnson, Matthew
Padula (UTS)
Using proteomics to understand
the mechanisms mediating the
haemostatic function of cold-stored
platelets.
UTS Master of Science
(Honours)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
64
APPENDIX 5Collaborations
Government Health Departments and AgenciesInstitution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
Clinical Excellence Commission, NSW Product usage: Exploring the impact of blood transfusion
on maternity outcomes and healthcare utilisation:
informing the use of blood and blood products in
the obstetric setting
Dr Amanda Thomson
Hunter New England Health Product safety: Q Fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Prod David Durrheim
NSW Health Protection Product safety: Does hepatitis E virus pose a risk
to the Australian blood supply?
Catriona Furlong
National Centre for Immunisation
research and surveillance
Product safety: Q Fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Dr NIck Wood, Dr Helen Quinn,
Prof Peter McIntyre
NSW Office of Kids and Families Product usage: Exploring the impact of blood transfusion
on maternity outcomes and healthcare utilisation:
informing the use of blood and blood products in
the obstetric setting
Associate Professor Michael Nicholl
Pathwest Laboratory medicine Product safety: Detection of Ross River virus in Australian
blood donations
Dr David Smith, Dr Glenys Chidlow
Product safety: Q Fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Dr Linda Hueston
Queensland Health Product safety: Q fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Dr Penny Hutchison
Product safety: Detection of Ross River virus in Australian
blood donations
Dr Alyssa Pyke
Dr Sonja Hall-Mendelin
OzFoodNet Product safety: Does hepatitis E virus pose a risk
to the Australian blood supply?
Dr Robyn Leader, Dr Ben
Polkinghorne
SA pathology Product safety: Red cell alloimmunisation: How can
extended genotyping support the ongoing transfusion
needs of haemoglobinopathy patients?
A/Prof David Roxby
HospitalsInstitution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
The Alfred Hospital Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP patients
to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Dr Elspeth Hutton
Prince Charles Hospital Product safety: Reducing the risk of TRALI and Reducing
the risks associated with transfusion
Prof John Fraser and the Prince
Charles Hospital Critical Care
Research Group
APPENDICES
65
Hospitals (cont.)Institution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
Prince Charles Hospital Product safety: Transfusion associated immunomodulation
in a cohort of cardiac patients – translating laboratory
findings to a clinical context
Dr Rishendran Naidoo and Prof
John Fraser
Canberra Hospital Product safety: Investigating levels of BRMs in donors
implicated in clinical cases of TRALI
Prof Matthew Cook, Dr Zuopeng Wu
Concord Repatriation and General
Hospital
Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP
patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Dr Con Yiannikas
Product usage: Blood product safety in massive
transfusion recipients - Does white cell filtration really
remove transfusion risk?
Prof Peter Maitz , Dr Rosalba Cross
Gosford Hospital Product usage: Blood product safety in massive
transfusion recipients - Does white cell filtration really
remove transfusion risk?
Dr Duncan Reed
John Hunter Hospital Product usage: Blood product safety in massive
transfusion recipients - Does white cell filtration really
remove transfusion risk?
Prof Zsolt Balogh
Mater Mothers’ Hospital Brisbane Product safety: Reduction in anti-D immunoglobulin
usage by genotyping: a cost (and) benefit analysis
Dr Glen Gardener
Orange Health Service Product usage: Blood product safety in massive
transfusion recipients - Does white cell filtration really
remove transfusion risk?
Dr Doug Lenton, A/Prof Brian Burns
Royal Adelaide Hospital Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP patients
to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Dr Pravin Hissaria and Dr Janakan
Ravindran
Royal Melbourne Hospital Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP patients
to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
A/Prof Timothy Day, Prof Lynettte
Kiers
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Product safety: Reduction in anti-D immunoglobulin
usage by genotyping: a cost (and) benefit
analysis
Clin Prof Jon Hyett
Product Safety: Non-invasive assessment (NIPA)
translation: for high risk pregnant women who are
allo-immunised to the RhD blood group antigen
Clin Prof Jon Hyett
Product development and storage: Development
and characterisation of platelet lysate
Dr Janet McPherson and
Dr James Favaloro
Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP
patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Prof Matthew Kiernan
St George Hospital Product usage: Blood product safety in massive
transfusion recipients - Does white cell filtration really
remove transfusion risk?
Dr Mary Langcake
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
66
APPENDIX 5Collaborations (cont.)
Hospitals (cont.)Institution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
Sydney Eye Hospital Product development and storage: Development
and characterisation of platelet lysate
Simon Cooper
Westmead Hospital Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP
patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Prof Steve Vucic
Product usage: Blood product safety in massive
transfusion recipients - Does white cell filtration
really remove transfusion risk?
Dr Jeremy Hsu, Dr Leonardo Pasalic
Royal North Shore Hospital Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP
patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Dr Karl Ng
Product usage: Blood product safety in massive
transfusion recipients - Does white cell filtration
really remove transfusion risk?
Dr Tony Joseph, Dr Mark Gillett,
Dr Lesley Survela
Product safety: Red cell alloimmunisation: How can
extended genotyping support the ongoing transfusion
needs of haemoglobinopathy patients?
Prof Chris Ward
Product usage: Exploring the impact of blood transfusion
on maternity outcomes and healthcare utilisation:
informing the use of blood and blood products in
the obstetric setting
Prof James Isbister, Dr Jennifer
Bowen, Dr Eleni Mayson
IndustryInstitution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
Australian Defence Force Product usage: Clip Trial - Cryopreserved versus Liquid
Stored Platelets for surgical bleeding
Prof Michael Reade
Blood Systems Research Institute Product safety: Exotic mosquito-borne virus threats
to Australia (including WNV, CHIKV, LNV etc.):disease
burden and consequences for blood supply safety
Prof Eric Delwart
CSL Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP
patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Dr Souravi GHosh, Dr Adrian
Zuercher and Dr Bradley Sedgmen
Grifols Product safety: Does hepatitis E virus pose a risk
to the Australian blood supply?
Dr Jerry Holmberg
Macopharma Product usage: A Phase III prospective, randomised,
double-blinded multicentre clinical trial on clinical
efficacy and safety of platelet concentrates treated with
the Theraflex UV-Platelets system in comparison to
conventional platelet components
APPENDICES
67
Industry (cont.)Institution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
New Health Sciences Inc Product development and storage:
Anaerobic Red Cell storage
Dr Tatsuro Yoshida
InternationalInstitution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
American Red Cross Product safety: Does hepatitis E virus pose
a risk to the Australian blood supply?
Dr Susan Stramer
Sanquin Donor health and wellbeing: Development
of an Australian statistical model to predict
haemoglobin deferrals
Dr Mireille Baart
McMaster University, Canada Product usage: A Phase III prospective, randomised,
double-blinded multicentre clinical trial on clinical
efficacy and safety of platelet concentrates treated with
the Theraflex UV-Platelets system in comparison to
conventional platelet components
Nancy Heddle
Dartmouth Hitchcock USA Product development and storage: Use of additive
solutions for reconstitution of cryopreserved platelets
Dr Larry Dumont
Netherlands Military Blood Bank Product development and storage: Use of additive
solutions for reconstitution of cryopreserved platelets
Dr Femke Noorman
Singapore Defence Medical &
Environmental Research Institute
Product development and storage: Use of additive
solutions for reconstitution of cryopreserved platelets
Dr Jia Lu
Scottish Blood Transfusion Service Product development and storage: Use of additive solutions
for reconstitution of cryopreserved platelets
Dr Juraj Petrik
New Zealand Blood Service Product development and storage: Use of additive
solutions for reconstitution of cryopreserved platelets
Dr Darryl Crimmins
Environmental Protection Authority,
New Zealand
Product safety: What is the risk of alloimmunisation by
transfusion of variant RhD red blood cells that serotype
as RhD Negative?
Dr Stacy Scott
Alberta Health Service Canada Product safety: What is the risk of alloimmunisation by
transfusion of variant RhD red blood cells that serotype
as RhD Negative?
Fiji National Blood Service of
the Republic of Fiji Islands Ministry
of Health
Product safety: Building Capacity to solve complex
red cell serology using genetic sequencing
Adriu Sepeti
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
68
APPENDIX 5Research InstitutesInstitution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
ARC Centre of Excellence for
Mathematical & Statistical Frontiers
(ACEMS)
Donor Health and Wellbeing: 45 and Up: Blood Service
data linkage project: a world-class donor health data-asset
Prof Louise Ryan
Donor Health and Wellbeing: Safety and feasibility
of first appointment plasmapheresis donation
Prof Louise Ryan
Donor Health and wellbeing: Development of an
Australian statistical model to predict haemoglobin
deferrals
Prof Louise Ryan
Australian Genome Research Facility Product safety: Genetic basis for blood groups
The Australian and New Zealand
Intensive Care Research Centre
Product usage: TRANSFUSE - Standard Issue Transfusion
versus fresher red blood cell use in
intensive care - a randomised controlled trial
Prof DJ Cooper
Australian Phenomics Facility Product safety: Modelling genetic risks for poor
red cell storage
Robert Tunningley
Burnet Institute Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP
patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Prof Mark Hogarth
Brain and Mind Research Institute Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP
patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Prof Matthew Kiernan
Burnet Institute Product usage:Validation of candidate immune
biomarkers as predictors of IVIg response in CIDP
patients to promote cost-effective IVIg dosing.
Prof Mark Hogarth
The Kolling Institute, University
of Sydney
Product usage: Exploring the impact of blood transfusion
on maternity outcomes and healthcare utilisation:
informing the use of blood and blood products in
the obstetric setting
A/Prof Jane Ford, Prof Jonathan
Morris, Ms Jillian Patterson
Mater Medical Research Institute Product Safety: Non-invasive assessment (NIPA)
translation: for high risk pregnant women who are
allo-immunised to the RhD blood group antigen
Dr Glenn Gardener
National Centre for Immunisation
Reserach and Surveillance
Product safety: Q fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Dr Nick Wood, Dr Helen Quinn,
Prof. Peter McIntyre
Sax Institute Donor Health and Wellbeing: 45 and up study: Blood
Service data linkage project: a world-class donor health
data-asset
Centre for Infectious Diseases and
Microbiology Laboratory Services,
Westmead
Product safety: APPRISE partner Prof Lyn Gilbert
Queensland Institute of Medical
Research-Berghofer Medical
research institute
Product safety: Detection of Ross River virus in Australian
blood donations
Dr Natalie Prow
APPENDICES
69
Research Institutes (cont.)Institution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
Queensland Institute of Medical
Research-Berghofer Medical
research institute
Product safety: Exotic mosquito-borne virus threats
to Australia (including WNV, CHIKV, LNV etc.):disease
burden and consequences for blood supply safety
Prof Andreas Suhrbier,
Dr Greg Devine
Product safety: Reduction in anti-D immunoglobulin
usage by genotyping: a cost (and) benefit analysis
Dr Louisa Gordon
Clinical Excellence Commission, NSW Product usage: Exploring the impact of blood transfusion
on maternity outcomes and healthcare utilisation:
informing the use of blood and blood products
in the obstetric setting
Dr Amanda Thomson
Hunter New England Health Product safety: Q Fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Prod David Durrheim
NSW Health Protection Product safety: Does hepatitis E virus pose a risk
to the Australian blood supply?
TBA
National Centre for Immunisation
research and surveillance
Product safety: Q Fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Dr NIck Wood, Dr Helen Quinn,
Prof Peter McIntyre
NSW Office of Kids and Families Product usage: Exploring the impact of blood transfusion
on maternity outcomes and healthcare utilisation:
informing the use of blood and blood products
in the obstetric setting
Associate Professor Michael Nicholl
Pathwest Laboratory medicine Product safety: Detection of Ross River virus in Australian
blood donations
Dr David Smith, Dr Glenys Chidlow
Product safety: Q Fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Dr Linda Hueston
Queensland Health Product safety: Q fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Dr Penny Hutchison
Product safety: Detection of Ross River virus in Australian
blood donations
Dr Alyssa Pyke
Dr Sonja Hall-Mendelin
OzFoodNet Product safety: Does hepatitis E virus pose
a risk to the Australian blood supply?
Dr Robyn Leader, Dr Ben
Polonghorne
SA pathology Product safety: Red cell alloimmunisation: How can
extended genotyping support the ongoing transfusion
needs of haemoglobinopathy patients?
A/Prof David Roxby
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016
70
APPENDIX 5UniversitiesInstitution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
Australian National University Product safety: Cellular processes that regulate
the lifespan of red blood cells
Prof Simon Foote, Dr Brendan
McMorran, Dr Gaétan Burgio
Deakin University Donor Behaviour: Evaluating a model for culturally
relevant interventions to increase blood donation and
overcome perceived blood donation barriers among
migrant communities
Prof Michael Polonsky, Prof Andre
Renzaho, Prof Sandra Jones
James Cook University Product safety: Exotic mosquito-borne virus threats
to Australia (including WNV, CHIKV, LNV etc.):disease
burden and consequences for blood supply safety
Prof. John McBride
Monash University Product usage: Transfusion Outcomes Research
Collabrative (TORC)
Prof J Mc Neill and members of the
TORC Steering committee
Queensland University of Technology Product safety: Red cell alloimmunisation: How can
extended genotyping support the ongoing transfusion
needs of haemoglobinopathy patients?
Prof Louise Hafner
Product safety: reducing the risk of TRALI Prof Adrian Barnett, Anne-Marie
Christensen
Donor behaviour: Hospitals to Hospitality: Understanding
the influence of Interaction with staff and service quality
on donor intention to donate
Prof Rebekah Russell-Bennett
Product safety: Points of structural failure that may
lead to storage-related changes of red cells
Prof YT Gu, Dr E Sauret, Dr S Saha
and Prof Y Xiao, Sarah Barns
Product safety: What is the risk of alloimmunisation by
transfusion of variant RhD red blood cells that serotype
as RhD Negative?
Christine Knauth
Product safety: Is parvovirus B19 a concern
for the blood safety in Australia?
Dr Francesca Frentiu
Fiji National Blood Service of
the Republic of Fiji Islands Ministry
of Health
Product safety: Building Capacity to solve complex
red cell serology using genetic sequencing
Adriu Sepeti
University of Newcastle Product safety: Q Fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Prof Stephen Graves
University of NSW Product safety: Q Fever: how common is it, who
is at risk and what does this mean for blood safety?
Dr Heather Gidding
Donor behaviour: The role of pride in motivating and
maintaining blood donations
Donor behaviour: Emotional Psychology of Blood Donors
Dr Lisa Williams
Product develoment and storage: Biomimetic blood
bag materials for prolonged platelet storage
Prof John Whitelock, Dr Megan Lord,
Dr Brooke Farrugia
University of Queensland Product safety: Reducing the risk of TRALI Prof Michael Reade
Donor Behaviour: multiple projects A/Prof Barbara Masser
(co-appointment)
APPENDICES
71
Universities (cont.)Institution Research area and project Collaborator(s)
Product safety: Detection of Ross River virus
in Australian blood donations
Prof Roy Hall
Product safety: Exotic mosquito-borne virus threats
to Australia (including WNV, CHIKV, LNV etc.):disease
burden and consequences for blood supply safety
Prof. John Aaskov, Prof. Roy Hall
(UQ), Dr Helle Bielefeldt-Ohman,
Dr John Wright, Dr Jasimme Uddin
Donor behaviour: Hospitals to Hospitality: Understanding
the influence of Interaction with staff and service quality
on donor intention to donate
Dr Jospephine Peevite
Product safety: The first integrated multimodal
assay for the ultrasensitive detection of dengue
contamination of blood
A/Prof Stephen Mahler, Prof
Matthew Cooper, Prof Paul Young
University of South Australia Product safety: Chikungunya and/or Zika virus emergence
and establishment in Australia
A/Prof Craig Williams
University of Sydney Donor Behaviour: Behavioural economics
to understand blood donations
Evarn Ooi co-appointment with
Prof Robert Slonim
Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine:
APPRISE partner
Prof Angus Dawson
Product development and storage: Development
and characterisation of platelet lysate
Dr Zufu Lu
University of Technology Sydney Donor health and wellbeing: biostatistics, several projects Louise Ryan
Dr Stephen Wright (co-appointment)
Product development and storage:
Characterisation of cryopreserved platelets
Dr Matthew Padula
Product development and storage:
Cold storage of platelets
Dr Matthew Padula
Photo credits
p 4 Dr Alison Gouldp 16, 18 Genghis Lopez
Acknowledgement
Australian governments fund the Blood Service to provide blood, blood products and services to the Australian community.
Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au
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