Current Issue June 2012, Vol. 46, No. 3

Transfusion and Apheresis Science (previously called Transfusion Science) brings comprehensive and up-to-date information to physicians and health care professionals involved in the rapidly changing fields of transfusion medicine and apheresis. The journal presents original articles relating to scientific and clinical studies in the areas of immunohematology, transfusion practice and both therapeutic and donor apheresis. Topics covered include the collection and processing of blood, compatibility testing and guidelines for the use of blood products, as well as screening for and transmission of blood-borne diseases. All areas of apheresis — both therapeutic and collection — are also addressed. A major feature of the journal is the "theme" section which includes, in each issue, a group of papers designed to review a specific topic of current importance in transfusion science; basic science, current research and the clinical application of modern therapies are featured. The "Apheresis Listening Post" provides a forum for the discussion of topical issues specific to apheresis and focuses on the operators' viewpoint. Another feature section is "What's Happening" which provides informal reporting of activities in the field. In addition, brief case reports and Letters to the Editor, as well as reviews of meetings and events of general interest, and a listing of recent patents make the journal a complete source of information for practitioners of transfusion and apheresis science. Immediate dissemination of important information is ensured by the commitment of Transfusion and Apheresis Science to rapid publication of both symposia and submitted papers.

The World Apheresis Association is an umbrella organization for national and international professional societies devoted to the scientific, medical, practical, technical, administrative, or educational aspects of apheresis. The purposes of the Association are to:

• Provide an organization through which all professional Societies dedicated to research and/or clinical practice in apheresis can communicate and collaborate
• Foster global collaboration in scientific investigation, research, clinical applications, education, and exchange of information relating to apheresis and allied fields in clinical and laboratory medicine
• Facilitate the availability of safe and effective apheresis techniques for the collection of donor cells and plasma as well as the removal or modification of blood constituents in disease
• Encourage and advance high standards of administrative and technical performance in the field of apheresis