The Vitebsk Regional Blood Transfusion Station is installing equipment for virus inactivation in blood components. This was reported by the healthcare institution.
"The equipment is imported. It will allow for the inactivation of viruses and microorganisms in donor blood components, consequently, new types of transfusable blood components will become available, which were not previously used in the Vitebsk region for therapeutic purposes. These are pathogen-reduced plasma and platelets. The system uses a special active chemical substance, amotosalen, and ultraviolet irradiation. Viruses become inactive (their genetic material is destroyed), which deprives them of their ability to reproduce and carry out life processes," the regional blood transfusion station noted.
Operation of the equipment involves minimal risk to personnel and is accompanied by computer control and monitoring.
The new equipment, which currently has no analogues in the Vitebsk region, will be operational in the blood and blood components procurement department of the regional blood transfusion station as early as June. Commissioning is currently underway. In the near future, personnel training for operating the equipment will commence: colleagues from Minsk will share their experience with the Vitebsk specialists. Training is planned to begin next week.
Purified plasma will primarily be transfused to pregnant women and individuals with chronic diseases requiring frequent transfusions of blood components. The use of the equipment will prevent the transmission of viral infections to recipients.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by