Universal components

Project aim

Currently, NHSBT manages more than 128 different platelet component types, requiring a careful balance between supply and demand. Universal plasma and platelets have the potential to improve component availability, reduce wastage, simplify clinical decision-making and support a more resilient supply chain.

This project is exploring whether the targeted reduction of anti-A and anti-B antibodies from plasma and platelet components using a medical device, can enable production of "Universal" blood components.

This project will:

• explore technologies, in collaboration with medical device manufacturers, that can reduce anti-A and anti-B antibodies
• quantify the potential benefits of universal plasma and platelets for hospitals, NHSBT and patients
• investigate variation in anti-A and anti-B antibody levels within the donor population
• define the clinical, regulatory and licensing pathways required to achieve CE/UKCA-marked medical devices and new specifications for universal blood components
• evaluate the operational and implementation challenges associated with introducing universal components into routine blood component manufacturing