The Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) announced today the production of pathogen reduced platelets. BBD was the first blood center to sign an agreement with Cerus Corporation following the FDA approval received for the INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets and plasma in December 2014. BBD provides blood transfusion products and services to hospitals and patients in the Delmarva region which includes the State of Delaware, Maryland, as well as portions of the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. BBD supplies approximately 13,000 platelet and 21,000 plasma units per year.

The INTERCEPT Blood System is designed to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections by inactivating a broad range of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites that may be present in donated blood. The nucleic acid targeting mechanism of action of the INTERCEPT treatment is designed to inactivate established transfusion threats, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, West Nile virus and bacteria, as well as emerging pathogens such as Chikungunya, Malaria and Dengue. “I am pleased that BBD is able to offer pathogen reduced platelets to our hospitals and their patients. This product provides a greater level of safety by lowering the risk for transfusion-transmitted infections,” says Chris Nare, Lead Executive of Laboratory Services and Distribution at BBD.

The implementation of the INTERCEPT Blood System aligns with BBD’s mission of providing safe and effective blood products that best serve the local hospital and patient community. “The INTERCEPT product closely aligns with our vision of being a Best in Class Blood Bank and Community Partner. Offering pathogen reduced platelets to the hospitals we serve is a major milestone of our ongoing focus on innovation that supports patient well being,” states Roy Roper, President and Chief Executive Officer of BBD.