Dr. Cohn focuses her efforts in two areas: patient blood management and platelet storage and utilization. Patient blood management applies evidence-based guidelines to limit unnecessary transfusions and maximize patient safety. Cohn uses technology and smartphone apps to gather data, which can help guide clinicians with transfusion decisions. Cohn is also interested in new platelet storage options, platelet utilization, and patient immunologic reactions to donor plasma. The University is one of the largest users of platelets in the nation because of the large number of umbilical cord stem cell transplants performed each year. Following FDA approval in 2009, platelets can now be stored in additive solutions in addition to donor plasma. Platelets stored in additive solutions are less frequently involved in transfusion reactions because donor plasma contains cytokines, allergens, and other molecules that can trigger these immunologic reactions.
