| Summary: | Canadian jurisdictions (except Quebec) must make a decision on the provision of S/D plasma to clinicians and patients. If funding is approved, the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) will be responsible for the storage and distribution of this blood product in nine provinces and three territories. An initial review of S/D plasma was conducted by CBS in 2009/2010, with additional input through the National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products (NAC). In the fall of 2010, Canadian jurisdictions, through the Provincial/Territorial Blood Liaison Committee (PTBLC), sought further input from CADTH. In response, CADTH initiated a pilot project and convened a Panel of Experts to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of S/D plasma versus standard plasma and to also consider the ethical implications of providing S/D plasma under certain criteria. These criteria were established by PTBLC and CBS on the basis that there exist chronic hematological conditions for which treatment involves administering a high volume of plasma transfusions. Three specific populations were selected by PTBLC and CBS for this pilot project, namely: 1. patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)2. patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)3. patients with clotting factor deficiencies for which specific licensed concentrates may not be readily available (e.g., factor V, factor XI, factor XIII)
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