Academy
Understanding blood component therapy: from basics to bedside
A Continuing Medical Education (CME) program titled “Understanding Blood Component Therapy: From Basics to Bedside” was successfully conducted on April 10, 2026. The program was tailored for Transfusion Medicine professionals and laboratory technologists from various hospitals across North India, with the objective of enhancing their understanding of Blood Component therapy in transfusion services. The theme was selected in recognition of the critical role of blood component therapy in ensuring safe and effective transfusion practices.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ISBT Academy and ISBT Central Office for their generous financial support, which made this event possible. The CME was inaugurated by Vivek Lal, Director, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh and was attended by approximately 150 delegates from the northern region of India.
CME Inauguration
In the first scientific session, Meena Sidhu from Government Medical College, Jammu delivered an insightful and engaging lecture on the fundamentals of blood collection and blood component separation. This was followed by Harikrishan Dhawan from PGIMER, Chandigarh, who provided a practical and comprehensive overview of blood component modifications. The session was highly interactive and intellectually stimulating, enriched by valuable inputs and discussions led by the session chairs, Prof. R.R. Sharma from PGIMER, Chandigarh, and Prof. Neetu Kukar from Government Medical College, Faridkot.
The second scientific session featured distinguished speakers, including Gopal Patidar from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; Meenu Bajpai from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi; and Satyam Arora from the Post Graduate Institute of Child Health, Noida. They delivered insightful talks encompassing both laboratory and clinical perspectives of blood components, offering a well-rounded understanding of their application in patient care.
The highlight of the event was a multidisciplinary panel discussion that brought together clinicians from the departments of Anaesthesia and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, transfusion medicine specialists, and administrators involved in managing state blood services. The panel offered diverse perspectives and engaged in a dynamic exchange on strategies to optimize blood component therapy in routine clinical practice, emphasizing practical approaches, interdepartmental coordination, and evidence-based decision-making.
The final scientific session focused on the practical and regulatory aspects of quality assurance in the blood component laboratory, highlighting key standards, compliance requirements, and best practices essential for maintaining high-quality transfusion services. The scientific program, along with the overall organization of the event, was highly appreciated by the participants, with nearly 90% of delegates rating it 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale.
View of the audience in the auditorium
