A more efficient plasmapheresis: Kedrion symposium at SIMTI conference

During the IV National Conference on Italian Transfusion Services organized by SIMTI (Italian Association of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology), which took place from the 28th to the 30th of May in Naples, Kedrion organized the symposium "How to make plasmapheresis more efficient: a case study".

The results of the working group set up by Kedrion were presented in front of 200 people at the seminar thanks to the collaboration of the Global Marketing Team and the Marketing Team dedicated to supporting the Italian self-sufficiency program. The objective of the group was to research the methods and means to define, monitor and test on the field possible and necessary actions aimed at streamlining the management of a donor pilot center – the Casa del Donatore (House of Donors) in Bologna – focusing on the collection of plasma destined to industrial fractionation.

Two technical and economic studies were presented; the first carried out at the Polytechnic University of the Marche Region by Dr. D‘Andrea and by Professor Marasca; the second conducted at the Department of Science and Technology of Pharmacology in Turin by Dr. Povero and by Prof. Eandi. Both studies highlighted the current costs per liter of plasma collection and the possible corrective actions based on greater effectiveness that would ensure a lower price.

Andrea Tieghi, President of the Italian Voluntary Blood Donor Association (AVIS) in the Emilia-Romagna Region, clarified the donors’ point of view on the theme of national self-sufficiency in plasma and plasma-derived products, a goal that is inextricably linked to an increased availability and collection of plasma. “The efficiency the center in Bologna has already reached is comparable to the effectiveness of the centers that are devoted exclusively to the collection of plasma, as in the case of the KEDPlasma center in Ingolstadt, Germany, which we recently visited,” stated Tieghi.

Giorgio Gandini, a transfusion expert from Verona, delivered the closing remarks emphasizing the possibility of increasing the volume of plasma collected during each single donation by implementing very easy changes, while abiding by the specifications of the current law. No additional investments in machinery or in staff are needed. The key is to make better use of the donor-donation combination.

Dr. Aprili moderated the debate that followed the symposium, which highlighted the importance of a rigorous scientific work and of the real possibility of improving the system. A need shared by all participants.

"We believe it is our duty to contribute to the debate on an increasingly promoted, used and efficient plasmapheresis,” stated Danilo Medica, Kedrion Italy Country Manager. “Plasmapheresis is the driver that will allow us to reach full self-sufficiency in plasma and plasma-derived products.”



For more information please contact: [email protected]
error: Content is protected !!