Dr Jo Crofts, Consultant Obstetrician and Lead for Obstetrics at North Bristol NHS Trust, has been awarded £25,000 funding from the Southmead Hospital Charity Springboard Research Fund for the Cell-SAVE Study.
The Cell-SAVE Study
The Cell-SAVE Study aims to explore the feasibility and practicality of collecting blood lost during childbirth and processing it using the Cell Salvage machine. This machine collects, cleans, and processes the blood, which is then tested for bacterial contamination to determine its safety for re-transfusion.
Currently, the Cell Salvage machine is used routinely for women undergoing Caesarean sections. This practice has significantly reduced the need for donated blood transfusions, allowing women to receive their own blood back, which is better for their health, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
However, the safety of collecting and reusing blood lost during vaginal births remains uncertain. The study will use the Cell Salvage machine to collect blood lost vaginally, process it, and send it to the laboratory for bacterial testing. If it can be demonstrated that the blood collected vaginally is as safe as that collected during Caesarean sections, a larger trial may be conducted to provide this option to women who give birth vaginally.
Research aspirations
Jo’s aspirations for this research extend beyond the Cell-SAVE Study. She is committed to advocating for research in Women's Health, an area that has historically faced challenges due to concerns about conducting studies with pregnant women. However, advancing research in this field is crucial to improving outcomes for all women. The Women’s & Children’s Research team at North Bristol NHS Trust stands out for their exceptional dedication. Their commitment to enhancing the care provided to women and their families through research is truly inspiring.
Rewarding career
Engaging in research is incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. It offers opportunities to collaborate with colleagues worldwide, travel, and gain new perspectives on medical practices. This inquisitive mindset translates into clinical work, driving continuous improvement in patient care.
Jo encourages anyone with a research idea to pursue it. Seeking advice from those with successful applications, collaborating with the research team, and approaching the process with determination are key steps. Research is vital for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes, and contributions can make a significant difference.
The Cell-SAVE Study represents a significant step forward in efforts to enhance maternal care. By exploring the potential of Cell Salvage for vaginal births, the study aims to provide safer and more effective treatment options for women. Jo is excited about the future of this research and the positive impact it will have on women's health.
Since its launch in 2007, the fund has evolved significantly, receiving over 300 applications and distributing £1.5 million across 100+ research projects. With fifteen rounds completed, the upcoming Round 16 is hoping to open for new applicants in Spring 2025. Donor funding has facilitated research across various clinical divisions, including women's health, orthopaedics, obstetrics & gynaecology, and COVID-19 studies.
Thanks to donations to Southmead Hospital Charity, the official charity of North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), researchers at NBT can continue to push the boundaries of maternity research and improve the lives of women and their families. Please visit our dedicated page to donate to future research.