The Blood Center in New Orleans has implemented Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies’ FDA-cleared automation technology to enhance platelet processing, becoming the second blood center in the U.S. to do so. This development aims to address ongoing platelet shortages and improve the efficiency of blood collection operations.
The Reveos automation system from Terumo BCT is now in use at the center. This system is capable of separating whole blood into its components—platelets, plasma, and red blood cells—in one fully automated cycle. By streamlining the production process, the center expects to boost its platelet supply and reduce waste, which is critical as hospitals face increasing demand for these essential blood components.
“The Blood Center’s adoption of Reveos marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of blood processing in the U.S.,” said Chetan Makam, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Blood Solutions at Terumo BCT. The center must collect between 200 to 250 pints of blood daily to meet regional needs, which the new automation is designed to support more effectively.
As part of its modernization efforts, the Blood Center is now able to produce both apheresis platelets and whole blood-derived platelets. The switch to automation has led to improvements such as reduced hands-on time, enhanced product consistency, and increased inventory reliability. “We can get more blood and more consistent platelets to the hospitals and patients in our communities who depend on us,” said Mickie Wilson-Martin, Production and Distribution Manager at The Blood Center.
This initiative represents a broader movement toward automation in U.S. blood centers, helping to ensure a more robust blood supply for healthcare facilities and patients in Louisiana. Further details about this transition will be shared at the 2025 Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies Annual Meeting in San Diego.
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