A device for inactivating viruses in blood components is being installed at the Vitebsk Regional Blood Transfusion Station
"The device is imported. It will allow for the inactivation of viruses and microorganisms in donor blood components, and consequently, new types of transfusable blood components will appear in the Vitebsk region that were not previously used for medical 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 sustain life," the regional blood transfusion station noted.
Operation of the device involves minimal risk to personnel and is accompanied by computer control and monitoring.
The new equipment, which has no analogues in the Vitebsk region yet, will start operating in the blood and blood components procurement department of the regional transfusion station in June. Commissioning is currently underway. In the near future, personnel training for operating the device will begin: colleagues from Minsk will share their experience with the Vitebsk specialists. Training is planned to start 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 device will prevent the transmission of viral infections to recipients.