New York Blood Center presents Practical Problems in Transfusion Medicine, a series of case studies intended for use as self-guided continuing education material for transfusion medicine professionals. The goal of this program is to provide simulated experiences in the decision-making necessary for the optimal care of patients requiring blood product transfusion.

Each case is offered in installments, the first of which provides only initial clinical and laboratory information. As in everyday practice, the participant must make a preliminary analysis of the situation and then decide what other information is required and what laboratory testing is necessary. Subsequent installments provide additional information, on the basis of which the participant must make further decisions that will ultimately lead to resolution of the problem.

Throughout the case study pertinent background material is also provided in the form of Helpful Facts Boxes. This information is necessary for interpretation and understanding of the case and may be particularly useful to the less experienced technologist or physician.

New York Blood Center understands that approaches used to resolve transfusion problems vary among experts and institutions. The approaches presented in this program are those that we have found to be particularly useful.