The focus of Transfusion Medicine research is in blood borne viruses, diagnostics and transfusion in resource poor areas, biology and genomics of megakaryocytes and platelets.

Particular highlights include:

• Global studies of the molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis B virus in collaboration with major blood centres around the world. The genomes of HBsAg- and HBsAg+ strains have been sequenced and analysed. (Professor J-P Allain).
• A Genome-Wide Association Study meta-analysis which identified 15 genetic loci that regulate the volume and count of platelets and the discovery of novel genetic loci that regulate platelet function (Professor Willem H Ouwehand).
• A rapid low cost diagnostic test for Chlamydia trachomatis has been developed and is now widely available.  A test for HBsAg is being submitted for licensing (Dr H Lee)

More information on the Transfusion Medicine subsite.