Versiti among first in U.S. to offer pathogen reduced platelets
Technology reduces risk for infections and makes blood transfusions safer for patients
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Versiti, Inc., a national leader in blood health innovation, is among the first in the United States to provide pathogen reduced platelets that reduce the risk of infection and lead to safer transfusions for patients. Versiti produced its first pathogen reduced platelets in January 2018 at BloodCenter of Wisconsin, part of Versiti. The platelets were provided to one of Versiti's hospital partners in Wisconsin.
Because platelet transfusions are on the rise due to an increase in trauma situations, transplantation, and in treatment of cancer patients, as well as to prevent and treat bleeding in patients who are thrombocytopenic, the importance of providing pathogen reduced platelets is becoming increasingly important. Versiti, which already utilizes multiple tests and every available technology to ensure the safety of the blood supply, took a leading role in the implementation of pathogen reduction technology.
"Versiti is dedicated to patient and transfusion safety, continually seeking novel technologies that improve the safety of the blood and blood components we distribute and provide to our hospital partners," said Versiti Chief Medical Officer Thomas Abshire, M.D. "This technology helps advance transfusion medicine and creates improved outcomes for patients receiving platelet transfusions."
This innovative technology reduces the risk for infection and disease transmission in transfused patients. By using a special additive, the technology inactivates bacteria, viruses and other pathogens as well as leukocytes that may be present in donated blood. The technology also preserves cell and protein quality, and may offer additional benefits, including platelet shelf-life extension, and negate the requirement for gamma-irradiation and testing for cytomegalovirus of platelets.
Versiti anticipates expanding production of pathogen reduced platelets at its BloodCenter of Wisconsin location, and at all Versiti locations in the near future, to serve additional hospitals throughout the state and across the country.
About Versiti
Versiti, a national leader in blood health innovation, was formed with the mission to improve the health of patients and enable the success of our health care partners nationally. We provide innovative, value added solutions in the fields of transfusion medicine, transplantation, and blood-related diseases to meet the needs of each of our customers. The collective efforts across Versiti result in improved patient outcomes, expanded access to care and cost efficiencies for health care systems nationwide. For more information, visit www.versiti.org.
Contact: Fay Spano
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414-937-6124
SOURCE Versiti
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