CaridianBCT Launches Red Blood Cell Exchange Protocol
New Protocol for the Spectra Optia Therapeutic Apheresis and Cell Therapy System
LAKEWOOD, Colo.—November 10, 2009— CaridianBCT, a leading global provider of technology, products and services in automated blood collections, therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy systems, whole blood processes and pathogen reduction technologies, announced today it has released the protocol to perform Red Blood Cell Exchange (RBCX) on the Spectra Optia® Apheresis System available for use in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Australia.
As the next generation therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy collection device, the Spectra Optia system is designed to enhance versatility, performance and patient care. The Spectra Optia system performs multiple types of RBCX procedures and enables health care professionals to select the most appropriate, individualized procedures to optimize patient care.
The RBCX protocol release follows the Mononuclear Cell (MNC) protocol, which was launched in EMEA and Australia in October 2008. The Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) protocol was made available to EMEA and Australia in April 2007, the United States in August 2007, and Canada in February 2008.
“We are committed to continue to make advances in our therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy platform to provide health care professionals with sophisticated and reliable technology,” said David Perez, president and chief executive officer of CaridianBCT. “The latest protocol release is the next step in our mission to offer our customers streamlined apheresis procedures so that they can focus on what’s really important—improving the lives of the patients they are caring for.”
The RBCX and MNC protocols are not currently available for sale in the United States or Canada.
About Spectra Optia Apheresis System:
Based on COBE® Spectra technology, the Spectra Optia system is a transportable therapeutic apheresis system that uses centrifugation for blood separation and a unique optical detection technology for interface management (Automated Interface Management system). The Spectra Optia system, tubing sets, and software have received a CE Mark and 501K clearance for the TPE protocol, and a CE Mark for the MNC and RBCX protocols.
About CaridianBCT:
CaridianBCT is the leading global provider of innovative technologies and services specializing in automated blood collections, therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy systems, whole blood processes and pathogen reduction technologies. The company serves patients through its commitment to better blood and better lives by developing and commercializing products that serve global customers in the blood banking, therapeutic apheresis and transfusion medicine industries. For more information, visit www.caridianbct.com.
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Contact:
Tarra Ryerson, Manager of Global Corporate Communications
Mobile: +1 303.205.2561
press@caridianbct.com