CaridianBCT And American Red Cross Sign Strategic Agreement On Automated Blood Collection Technology

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 08 Oct 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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CaridianBCT, a leading global provider of technology, products and services in automated blood collections, therapeutic systems, whole blood processes and pathogen reduction technologies, announced today it has signed a multi-year agreement with the American Red Cross to continue the use of its automated blood collection technology in American Red Cross Blood centers throughout the United States.

For over 50 years, the American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of life-saving blood and blood products in the U.S. Through its Biomedical Services division, the American Red Cross collects and distributes nearly half of the U.S. blood supply, collecting over 6 million units of blood from nearly 4 million blood donors annually.

"The relationship between the American Red Cross and CaridianBCT is reflective of our combined passion to meet the ever-increasing patient needs for safe, critical blood components," said American Red Cross Biomedical Services Executive Vice President J. Chris Hrouda. "Under this agreement, we will continue to use CaridianBCT's Trima Accel® system for the greater collection flexibility."

The increasing demand for blood components and testing standards, as well as the decreasing donor availability, has heightened the need for blood centers to maximize the ability of every eligible donor to donate the specific blood components required to meet patient needs - a critical factor in ensuring a sufficient, safe blood supply. The Trima Accel system enables blood centers to collect multiple component combinations of leukoreduced, ready-to-store red cells - including double red cells - platelets and plasma, from a single donor, in a single donation.

"We have been extremely pleased with the close working relationship between CaridianBCT and the American Red Cross," said CaridianBCT President and Chief Executive Officer David B. Perez. "Together, we strive to enhance the productivity capabilities of our Trima technology to collect more of the right blood components, exactly when they are needed to better serve patients, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the life-saving gift of blood. Our people, products and processes are very much aligned with the goals and objectives of the American Red Cross and the working relationship we have with the American Red Cross allows us to live out our vision, For Better Blood and Better Lives, every day."

About CaridianBCT:

CaridianBCT, Inc. improves lives through innovation, quality and services delivered by its people, products and processes in blood component technology. It is a leading global provider of technology, products and services in automated blood collections, therapeutic systems, whole blood processes and pathogen reduction technologies - serving blood banks, hospitals and clinical and biotech research facilities. Headquartered in Lakewood, CO, the company has global operations in 32 countries and employs approximately 2500 people. For more information, visit http://www.caridianbct.com.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://www.redcrosschat.org.