Fenwal presents the new Aurora system for plasma collection

Fenwal, a medical technology company offering a wide range of products and services for the manual and automated collection of blood and blood components, has added the new Aurora plasmapheresis system to its catalog, featuring an interactive touch screen with intuitive menus and icons and enabling two-way wireless data communication.

Fenwal has begun to market a new device for plasma collection, called Aurora plasmapheresis system, supporting two-way wireless data communication designed to eliminate manual steps and improve operator and donor satisfaction.

William Cork, Fenwal CTO, has commented: “Aurora is an important innovation for plasma collection professionals. Introduces powerful new capabilities, as an interactive touch screen with intuitive menus and icons, and comes with the new Fenwal DXT streaming software, that provides productivity reports and allows for remote procedure setup and paperless documentation.”.

The Aurora system is the latest advancement in plasma collection technology from Fenwal. The system is based on patented separation technology using the company's Autopheresis-C system, which has been used around the world for plasma collection for more than 20 years. Plasmapheresis is an automated process in which donated blood plasma and the remaining components are taken, mainly red blood cells and platelets, are returned to the donor. The original plasma is used by pharmaceutical companies that produce therapies from plasma-derived proteins.

Plasma collection professionals played an integral role in the development of Aurora. “From system design to on-screen messages, all details were evaluated for ease of use, “Safety and improved productivity”, Cork added. “Similarly, Data management software was developed with open architecture so it can seamlessly integrate with existing central plasma systems, without the need for expensive proprietary accessories”.

Custom functions

The Aurora system also offers custom features that improve workflow and ensure successful picking. Intuitive on-screen instructions simplify training for operators and provide troubleshooting assistance. New LCD liquid crystal display allows donors to see the progress of their donation.

Aurora system supports remote procedure configuration, paperless documentation and Party compliance 11 of the Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Code of Federal Regulations, CFR), in combination with DXT transmission software and a plasma center donor management software. With remote procedure configuration, Aurora system can be automatically programmed based on donor registration information. These features ensure data accuracy, compliance with documentation, and improvement in the efficiency of the configuration procedure.

DXT streaming software provides plasma center professionals with easy-to-read, on-demand reports that integrate procedure and donor data from multiple Aurora systems at multiple locations. Reports track specific performance indicators, and can be used to identify opportunities for improvement and training.