Versiti Enhances Platelet Production with Advanced Automation Technology

In a significant move towards modernizing blood processing, Versiti has recently adopted the Reveos™ Automated Blood Processing System from Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. This marks a pivotal advancement as Versiti becomes the 10th blood center in the United States to implement this FDA-cleared technology. The integration is expected to bolster the production capacity of platelets derived from whole blood donations, aiming to meet the increasing demand in hospitals across five states.

Versiti, which operates as a nonprofit organization headquartered in Milwaukee, is dedicated to improving blood health and facilitating access to necessary blood products for patients. It currently services hospitals in regions including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The Reveos system, combined with the Lumia™ Software Platform, represents a state-of-the-art solution enabling the blood center to automate the separation of whole blood into its essential components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Historically, this separation process was manual and multi-stepped, requiring extensive hands-on time and often resulting in variability.

The Reveos system is distinguished as the only whole blood automation device available in the U.S. That separates blood components in a fully automated centrifugation cycle. This automated process is crucial, particularly for platelets, which are vital for patients undergoing cancer treatments, surgeries, and emergency medical care. Due to their short shelf life, maintaining a stable supply of platelets is a chronic challenge for blood centers nationwide.

Karen Smith, Vice President of Blood Production and Distribution at Versiti, emphasized the importance of this technology, stating, "For patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgery, or emergency care, having platelets available when needed can make a critical difference. Reveos helps us maximize every blood donation by enhancing our ability to produce platelets more efficiently and meet hospital demand. It’s an investment in delivering the necessary blood products to patients on time."

In addition to the automated systems, Versiti continues its commitment to platelet collection through apheresis directly from donors. The addition of Reveos allows for greater flexibility in platelet production and helps meet the rising need in hospitals. This capability not only supplements apheresis collections but also strengthens Versiti’s overall ability to provide necessary blood components.

Maura Lienesch, Vice President of Commercial at Terumo BCT, remarked on this milestone: "Ten U.S. blood centers have now selected Reveos to transform whole blood processing. Each implementation progresses towards a more flexible and robust blood supply. Versiti’s reach across five states makes this milestone particularly significant, with potential benefits for numerous hospitals and patients."

The adoption of the Reveos system signifies a broader trend in healthcare towards automation, as medical institutions increasingly seek solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, and patient care. By automating the complex workflow previously reliant on manual processes, Reveos aims to address the pressing need for reliable platelet supplies while also optimizing staff utilization.

Overall, the decision by Versiti to implement the Reveos system showcases a commitment to leveraging innovative technologies in the field of transfusion medicine. It highlights the ongoing evolution within blood collection and processing, as organizations strive to meet the ever-growing needs of healthcare providers and patients alike. As technology continues to advance, the future looks promising for blood centers enhancing their operational capabilities and ensuring the availability of critical blood products for those in need.