Blood Bank of Alaska is preparing to provide donor testing in-state and has begun the expansion of our laboratory services. The benefits of in-state donor testing are abundant. Blood and blood products will be processed and released for use at a faster pace. In addition, in times of disaster in-state donor testing provides a more secure blood supply for the state of Alaska and the patients in need of blood transfusions.
The Roche COBAS 6800 analyzer was installed this week. This is one of many pieces of equipment that is being added to the Blood Bank of Alaska laboratory. When fully assembled, this analyzer will be capable of testing for the RNA and DNA of viruses. BBA will be using it to look for infections of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV I/II, and West Nile Virus. The final instrument will stand about 10 feet long, 7 feet tall, and 4 ¼ feet deep.
More to come at Blood Bank of Alaska.