Blood transfusion breakdown: could Sex-Matching save lives in the ICU?

NCT ID NCT06840756

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Michelle Zeller Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether giving critically ill ICU patients red blood cells from a donor of the same sex (sex-matched) versus the opposite sex (sex-mismatched) affects their chance of survival. Over 11,000 adults in ICUs who need a transfusion will be randomly assigned to receive either sex-matched or sex-mismatched blood. The goal is to see if a simple change in blood bank practice could improve outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: red blood cell transfusion (sex-matched or sex-mismatched)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could lead to a simple change in transfusion practice that improves survival for critically ill patients.
What could go wrong: This is a large trial, but the benefit of sex-matching is uncertain based on early studies. The results may show no difference or be difficult to implement broadly.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiovascular disorder hematologic disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CARDIOVASCULAR CRITICALLY ILL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS HEALTH SERVICES HEMATOLOGY RED BLOOD CELL TRANSFUSIONS SEX DIFFERENCES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hamilton General Hospital
RECRUITING

Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 2X2, Canada
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Kingston, Ontario, K7L 2V7, Canada
Lakeridge Health Oshawa
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Oshawa, Ontario, L1G 8A2, Canada
London Health Sciences Centre
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

London, Ontario, N6A 5W9, Canada
Mount Sinai Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
The Ottawa Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 1J8, Canada
Toronto General Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada

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