Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies’ (Terumo BCT) Reveos device that processes blood into platelets in a single centrifugation cycle has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Currently, 94% of platelets used for transfusion in the US are extracted from blood using a process called apheresis. This process can be long and requires many manual steps. Colorado, US-based Terumo BCT says that apheresis donations are not projected to keep up with the increased demand for platelets.

The American Red Cross says blood donations have been declining this summer, and has urged for public support to help prevent a blood shortage.

Reveos, the company claims, is the only automated device to process whole blood in a single centrifugation cycle into platelets, red blood cells, and plasma. Terumo BCT says that its device can eliminate over half the 18 or 20 steps required in traditional separation techniques. It should alleviate pressures on local blood collection banks such as the Blood Centers of America (BCA) – the largest blood supply network in the US.

Up to four units of whole blood can be loaded into the device. After centrifuging the whole blood, the separated components are expressed in product bags which are then sealed ready for storage or additional processing. The device and its data are managed by Reveos system management software.

“Reveos will help blood centres maximise the use of whole blood donations while increasing the availability of platelets for patients in need,” said Bill Block, President and CEO of BCA. “We look forward to deploying this technology within our membership and at our blood center partners across the country later this year.”