Abstracts

Important dates

Opening date for submission of abstracts:
15 October 2025

Closing date for submission:
7 January 2026

Notification of abstract acceptance:
15 January 2026

Click to submit abstract
On behalf of the Scientific and Organising Committees of the AfSBT Windhoek 2026 Congress, we would like to welcome you to our abstract submission page.

Theme: Innovative Connections: Enhancing the Blood and Transfusion Ecosystems

Ready to turn evidence into impact? This scientific programme charts a focused journey from donor to patient, and beyond, showcasing innovative connections that strengthen Africa’s blood and transfusion ecosystems. Expect practice-ready insights on building stronger donor bases, laboratory-enabled safety and quality (TTIs, genotyping), and clinically driven advances in PBM, alloimmunization/platelet refractoriness, and emerging cellular therapies. The focus also includes system resilience, traceability, haemovigilance, regulation, and logistics innovation. Come to connect, learn, and leave empowered with implementable frameworks, peer-tested solutions, and partnerships that elevate safety, equity, and outcomes across your service.

We invite you to submit under one of the following topics

  • Management and organisation
  • Blood donation
  • Blood products/components
  • Transfusion-transmitted infections
  • Immunohaematology
  • Clinical Transfusion
  • Cellular Therapies
  • Haemovigilance
  • Education
  • Innovation

Junior researcher award

The AfSBT will host a competition for abstracts for JUNIOR researchers.

The top 4 abstracts from the JUNIOR category will be offered a slot to present at the congress and the best presentation will receive an award based on the presentation.

To be considered for the JUNIOR competition, your age must be < 40 years and you should not hold a PhD degree.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

  • Abstract submissions must be submitted online. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.
  • Abstracts can be submitted for oral or poster presentation.
  • Abstract submissions should be original, topical, and current.
  • The title of your abstract should not exceed 30 words.
  • The body text of your abstract should not exceed 500 words.

 

Acceptance/Rejection of Abstracts

The scientific programme committee will review all submitted abstracts and reserves the right to accept or reject any abstracts. Selected abstracts will be presented as oral or poster presentations.

All authors will be kept informed, in writing, of the details concerning the exact time and date of their presentation. Poster presenters will be notified of the poster size and guidelines in writing as well.

If your abstract is accepted, you will be expected to present your work (either as an oral or as a poster) in person at AfSBT Windhoek 2026 Congress

It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit the abstract according to the AfSBT Windhoek 2026 Congress guidelines.

If your abstract is accepted, it will be printed as is (no changes will be allowed). It is your responsibility to ensure that all editing, spelling and typographic errors are corrected prior to submission.

At the end of the online application process, you should receive a confirmatory email. If you do not receive an email, your application was not submitted, please email janine@soafrica.com

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical technology company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our employees around the world believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers. 

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies' customers include blood centers, hospitals, therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell collection and processing organizations, researchers and private medical practices. Our customers are based in over 150 countries across the globe. We have 750+ granted patents, with more than 150 additionally pending. 

We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., U.S.A., along with five regional headquarters, seven manufacturing sites and six innovation and development centers across the globe. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543), a global leader in medical technology.  

www.terumobct.com

IA global leader in clinical diagnostics, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics has challenged convention to elevate the diagnostic laboratory’s role in improving patient health for more than 80 years. Our mission is to Relentlessly Reimagine Healthcare, One Diagnosis at a Time – and we do this by applying the power of science, technology and the passion and creativity of our teams. Our diagnostic solutions are used in complex clinical testing, and are found in hospitals, reference laboratories and physician office settings around the globe. We exist to deliver smarter, faster diagnostic solutions that move the needle forward from what’s now to what’s next. We do this by accelerating care with an extensive clinical menu, scalable lab automation technologies, insightful clinical informatics, and optimize lab performance services.

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics | Beckman Coulter

Ilex South Africa (PTY) LTD
Ilex South Africa is a trusted partner in the supply and support of advanced diagnostic solutions across Southern Africa. With a core focus on laboratory diagnostics, transfusion medicine, and molecular testing. Ilex South Africa collaborates with internationally recognised manufacturers to provide innovative technologies tailored to the evolving needs of healthcare systems.

As a Platinum Sponsor of the AFSBT Congress 2026, Ilex South Africa reaffirms its commitment to supporting excellence in transfusion services and promoting scientific advancement within the field of blood safety and diagnostics.

Backed by a highly skilled team of professionals, we offer end-to-end support, from consultation and installation to training, maintenance, and after-sales service. Our customer-centric approach ensures optimal performance and reliability of the solutions we deliver, helping laboratories and blood services operate with precision and confidence.

At Ilex South Africa, we believe in building long-term partnerships based on integrity and shared growth by driving innovation, improving patient outcomes, and contributing meaningfully to the healthcare landscape in Africa.