Some of the newer thawing methods introduced have either taken unacceptably long or have run the risk of overheating the plasma with potentially disastrous consequences
The risks of cross-contamination during thawing of frozen plasma are becoming well know to blood transfusion professionals.
This can be of particular concern with traditional wet methods such as water baths.
The unique indirect warm water technique, with 'massaging' action of the Labcold Cytotherm rapid plasma thawing unit enhances the speed and efficiency of thawing to avoid this risk.
As a result, sales of the unit are increasing as hospital staff discover the benefits and reassurance it brings.
The Cytotherm also incorporates other important safety features, including robust replaceable plastic bladders that contain the warm water used for heating and maintain a barrier against cross contamination, alarm and cut-out in the event of a leaking plasma pack, water temperature closely controlled to 37C plus or minus 0.1C, with alarm and cut-out, eliminates possibility of overheating the plasma, and dual independent operation with containment of spillages.
Robin Gregson, sales and marketing director at Labcold, said: "This unit is proving very popular due to the speed of operation combined with the inbuilt safety features"
