Golden Hour Technology Innovates Shipment of Platelets and Cord Blood
Minnesota Thermal Science, LLC (MTS) has announced general availability of a new shipping container designed to carry platelets and cord blood. The main benefit of the container is its ability to maintain the FDA required temperature range of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius for two days.
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) April 7, 2006 -- Minnesota Thermal Science, LLC (MTS) has announced general availability of a new shipping container designed to carry platelets and cord blood. Both blood products are of increasing importance to medical science, and both are temperature sensitive, requiring a constant “room temperature” environment.
Platelets are used to help patients heal wounds, control internal bleeding, recover from chemotherapy, or compensate for the effects of platelet deficiencies due to diseases like leukemia. Cord blood is used as a bone marrow substitute in the treatment of many diseases, and is a unique source of stem cells.
The main benefit of the insulated shipping container is its ability to maintain the FDA required temperature range of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius for two days. Even in constant harsh environments the system protects its contents for a minimum of 24 hours.
Since platelets have a limited shelf life of five to seven days, and cord blood must be processed within two days, it is especially important that they be transported to where they are needed without risk or delay. Until now, shipping platelets and cord blood using standard delivery services has not been a reliable system because the containers are unable to withstand harsh temperatures.
MTS’ new container is reusable and simple to use. It also offers many cost advantages. For example, shipments may be scheduled using standard delivery services instead of special direct handling by medical courier. These containers also require minimal training and labor to use.
“Platelets have been our biggest challenge yet,” said Ken Wilken, MTS’ Vice President of Product Development. “With the U.S. military’s test criteria reflecting very harsh conditions, getting past the 24 hour mark involved quite a bit of experimentation. However, we now have a container with a safety range of up to two days in standard winter or summer transportation profiles.”
The new shipping container will be used by the Armed Services Blood Program and by blood banks that are members of America’s Blood Centers. Combined, these two entities represent the majority of platelets shipped in the U.S.
Mike Pratt, Chief Operating Officer for Florida’s Blood Centers, said “Shipping platelets and trying to maintain rigid temperature control, especially in the heat of Florida in summer and the cold of the north in winter is a real problem. Losing platelets during transport is catastrophic, and I’m eager to have a system that I’m confident will perform every time. A container that solves these problems would be a huge value.” Florida's Blood Centers is the nation’s fourth largest independent blood bank, serving 70 healthcare facilities in a 21-county area.
Minnesota Thermal Science develops unique storage and shipping systems that maintain constant and predictable temperatures when transporting perishable medical materials. Its branded “Golden Hour Technology” received a “U.S. Army Greatest Invention” award in 2004 for its original medic pack, developed in conjunction with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in order to allow medics to bring blood into forward areas. The name “Golden Hour” refers to the crucial period following injury, when 85% of deaths typically occur.
Please contact:
George Flora
President
763-412-4811
gflora @ mnthermalscience.com
Karl Schlenker
VP Sales
763-412-4812
kschlenker @ mnthermalscience.com
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