Data Presented at Annual Meeting of International Society of Blood Transfusion Confirms High Level of Red Blood Cell Quality and Donor Comfort and Satisfaction

 

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, July 13th, 2004 – Faced with increasingly restrictive blood donor eligibility requirements, European blood centres are leveraging automated systems to collect red blood cells and meet blood transfusion needs.  Data presented today at the annual meeting of the International Society of Blood Transfusion in Edinburgh, Scotland, demonstrates that Baxter Healthcare S.A.’s ALYX Component Collection System consistently produces two units of high quality red blood cells from one donor and that donors are responding favorably to the automated system.

 

The data were presented by the Welsh Blood Service, which evaluated the ALYX System on component quality, ease of use and donor comfort and satisfaction. 

 

The ALYX System is a mobile, automated blood collection system that allows eligible donors to give two units of red blood cells instead of one pint of whole blood.  It collects only the desired blood component, returning all other blood components and replacement fluid back to the donor. The ALYX System was launched in Europe earlier this year.

 

“With more stringent donor eligibility requirements in the United Kingdom decreasing the eligible donor pool, it is important that we maximize our collection of red blood cells, the blood component in greatest demand,” said Dr. Keith M. O. Wilson, senior lecturer in Haematology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Welsh Blood Service. “During our evaluation of the ALYX System we consistently collected two units of red blood cells from eligible donors that met United Kingdom specifications for quality and safety.  In addition, our staff reported the system was easy to use and all donors reported they would donate again on the ALYX System.” 

 

In addition to the Welsh Blood Service, several other European blood centres have evaluated the ALYX System giving it positive marks for reliability, ease of use and red blood cell quality.  European donor evaluations have also reinforced donor comfort and satisfaction with the ALYX System.

 

The ALYX System recently received CE Mark clearance and the German Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) has approved the collection of double red blood cells with the ALYX System in the first blood centre in Germany.  In addition, several other European blood centres in Austria, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland have begun implementation of the technology to optimize their supply of red blood cells.

 

“We decided to implement the ALYX System because we believe automation is the future for blood collection,” said Dr. Christine Stebler, medical director and CEO for the BTC Basel, Switzerland.  “Automation allows you to produce high quality blood components and optimize your supply of different blood groups based on demand.”

 

Increasing restrictions on donors is contributing to a shortage of donors, according to blood centres and public health officials.  For example, the Department of Health in the United Kingdom recently announced the deferral of donors who have received a blood transfusion since 1980.  In addition, the aging population is expected to drive an increase in the number of surgical procedures and medical therapies requiring blood transfusions. 

 

More than 15 million units of red blood cells are transfused annually in Europe.  Red blood cells are used to offset blood loss during surgery or following a severe accident or trauma.  They also help treat patients with chronic anemia. 

 

Baxter Healthcare S.A. is the principal European operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists health-care professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, haemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients´ lives.

 

(Baxter and ALYX are trademarks of Baxter International Inc.)