Bl
ood Bank of Delmarva gained approval for Platelet Additive Solution (PAS) platelets for its Dover Donor Center. This approval allows the organization to distribute single donor platelets containing PAS outside the state of Delaware.
“PAS is added to platelet donations to replace about two thirds of the plasma present in the product,” said Chris Nare, BBD’s lead executive—Laboratory Services & Distribution. “Some patients who receive platelet transfusions have reactions due to the volume of plasma in the platelets. So by reducing the amount of plasma, you may reduce the risk of reaction.”
Data from current studies shows that transfusions with PAS platelets cut the risk of transfusion-related reactions in half.
“We congratulate the Blood Bank of Delmarva on this important achievement and we are honored to support their vital work,” said Dean Gregory, president, Medical Products, for Fenwal Inc., which manufactures PAS. “This demonstrates BBD’s continued focus on innovation and providing new products to the community.”
The PAS platelet license approval is issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the regulatory agency for all blood centers that operate in the United States. BBD is currently collecting and supplying PAS platelets within the State of Delaware and will have licensed single donor platelets available to distribute outside of the state in the near future.
Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is a non-profit community service organization that provides blood and blood products to hospitals in the Delmarva region. In addition, BBD provides donor testing services for blood collection centers. BBD is a member of America’s Blood Centers and accredited by AABB.
