#United States #New Orleans #Terumo BCT #Blood Center #Reveos

Revolutionizing Blood Donation: The Blood Center's Leap into Automation

In an era where blood donation processes are evolving, The Blood Center in New Orleans has made a significant step forward. By adopting the FDA-cleared Reveos™ Automated Blood Processing System from Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), they aim not only to streamline operations but also to tackle ongoing platelet shortages. This initiative marks them as the second site in the U.S. to utilize such transformative technology, setting a precedent for blood centers nationwide.

Addressing Platelet Shortages

Platelet shortages are a pressing issue in the United States, with nearly 98% of the nation's platelet supply coming from apheresis donations. This method isolates platelets directly from donors, which can be time-consuming and is dependent on donor availability. The new approach of using whole blood-derived platelets (WBDPs) offers a viable alternative. This method involves collecting whole blood and then separating its components after donation, which has traditionally required a lengthy and labor-intensive process.

With the Reveos system, The Blood Center can automate many of these manual steps, significantly reducing the processing time and enhancing product quality. The system separates whole blood into platelets, red blood cells, and plasma in a single automated cycle, providing the center with a more efficient means of production that can adapt to fluctuating donor supplies.

A Major Advancement

The adoption of the Reveos system has been a transformative journey for The Blood Center. According to Chetan Makam, Senior Vice President at Terumo BCT, this initiative represents a critical evolution in blood processing, empowering blood centers with automation tools that enhance efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness.

Mickie Wilson-Martin, the Production and Distribution Manager at The Blood Center, expressed pride in their pioneering efforts. She noted, "Being among the first in the U.S. to implement Reveos is something we’re incredibly proud of. We believe it will help us attract younger talent and serve our community better."

The Technology Behind the Transformation

The Reveos Automated Blood Processing System streamlines multiple processing steps—balancing, centrifuging, expressing, sealing, and data transfer—facilitating an efficient workflow. Since implementing this system, the center has reported notable improvements such as an increased platelet inventory, with monthly production reaching up to 100 pooled platelet products. This leap in production capability is integral for supporting the numerous hospitals that rely on The Blood Center for blood supplies.

Wilson-Martin also highlighted the enhanced consistency in product quality since transitioning to Reveos. The confidence in their ability to deliver high-quality platelets to hospitals and patients is vital in a sector where the urgency of blood supplies is paramount. "The more efficient we are, the more lives we can save," she emphasized.

Early Successes and Future Implications

The initial outcomes observed post-implementation underline the significant operational impact of the Reveos system. Staff have reported reduced hands-on time, enabling them to engage more in critical tasks, and the consistency in platelet production has greatly improved. This system doesn't just promise swifter processing times; it fosters a predictable and reliable blood supply chain crucial for responding to both routine needs and emergencies.

Michael Higgins, Vice President of Administrative Services at The Blood Center, expressed his relief over the heightened quality assurances now attainable through automation. "Before Reveos, ensuring compliance with regulations required extensive manual checks. Now, we can assure every unit meets all federal and state standards effortlessly."

Looking Ahead

The Blood Center's advancements serve as a beacon of innovation in blood processing technology, reflecting a growing trend toward automated systems in the U.S. healthcare landscape. This development aligns with broader goals of improving healthcare delivery and patient care through efficient blood supply management. As The Blood Center prepares to present its findings at the 2025 AABB Annual Meeting, their journey will undoubtedly influence other blood centers seeking solutions to similar operational challenges.

In summary, the collaboration between The Blood Center and Terumo BCT signifies a pivotal move toward modernized blood processing. By embracing automation, they are poised not only to boost their operations but also to ensure their community's healthcare needs are met effectively and reliably.