FDA approves new automated whole blood processing system
The system is the first whole blood automation device available in the US that processes whole blood into platelets and other components in a single centrifugation cycle.
According to both companies, automated processing of whole blood on the Reveos system will enhance the blood and platelet supply for patients in the US.
Platelets are used to treat patients with many conditions, including trauma and cancer. Today, 94% of platelets available for transfusion in the US come from apheresis, a process that draws a donor's blood, isolates desired components from it, and returns the rest of the blood to the donor.
However, Apheresis donations are not projected to keep up with increases in platelet usage. FDA’s clearance of the automated Reveos system gives blood centers the added capacity to collect platelets from existing whole blood donations efficiently.
In Reveos, Terumo BCT brings to the US a platform with an established track record following deployment in 52 countries over the past decade. Reveos is the only automated device to process whole blood into platelets, plasma and red blood cell (RBC) components in a single centrifugation cycle.
The news follows previous investments made by Terumo BCT to support blood centers. In 2022, the FDA cleared its IMUGARD WB Platelet Pooling Set, which supports the extended shelf life of platelets from five days to seven days.
By automating whole blood processing, it is estimated that Reveos can reduce the working hours needed by laboratory staff by up to 30%.
Bill Block, CEO and president of Blood Centers of America, said: “Reveos will help blood centers maximize the use of whole blood donations while increasing the availability of platelets for patients in need. We look forward to deploying this technology within our membership and at our blood center partners across the country later this year.”
Antoinette Gawin, CEO and president of Terumo BCT, added: “Reveos has a long-standing track record for helping blood centers globally meet the critical needs of patients while creating efficiencies in their operations. We continue to invest significantly in innovation for the future and in supporting blood centers. Reveos and IMUGARD together target the growing and critical need for platelets. These are just more examples of our holistic work focused on blood centers.”
