SAHE enhances blood safety with advanced X-Ray irradiator

UAE—Abu Dhabi Healthcare Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare network, has unveiled a cutting-edge blood irradiator at the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services, marking a significant step forward for regional healthcare.

This new addition, the RS 3400 X-Ray Blood Irradiator, represents a major leap forward in enhancing blood safety and quality standards in the UAE.

The RS 3400 X-Ray Blood Irradiator is a cutting-edge device that uses X-ray irradiation to treat blood and its components.

This advancement is crucial in reducing the risk of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), a potentially life-threatening complication where the white blood cells from the donated blood attack the recipient’s body.

By significantly minimizing the incidence of GVHD, the RS 3400 enhances patient safety and improves outcomes for blood transfusion patients.

Unlike traditional irradiators that rely on radioactive materials such as Caesium-137, the RS 3400 employs a single X-ray source.

This modern approach eliminates the need for complex licensing and shielding requirements associated with radioactive materials, streamlining operations and enhancing safety protocols.

As a result, the RS 3400 represents a major leap forward in both technology and regulatory ease.

In addition to its safety advantages, the RS 3400 has an outstanding gain in efficiency, with the new irradiator featuring a quicker irradiation cycle that can accept up to six units per cycle, a major improvement over the previous machine.

This enhancement not only improves processing speed but also boosts the capacity to meet the growing demand for blood products within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.

Dr. Hamad Saif Al Nuaimi, the Manager of Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services, emphasized that the introduction of the RS 3400 is a testament to the government’s and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) commitment to advancing healthcare technology.

He highlighted that the project reflects ongoing efforts to equip the healthcare sector with the most advanced technologies and resources available.

In 2023, Abu Dhabi witnessed a remarkable increase in blood donations, with nearly 66,000 donors contributing almost 99,000 units of blood, representing a 37.53 percent increase compared to 2022.

The introduction of the RS 3400 X-Ray Blood Irradiator comes at a crucial time, as it will help address the rising demand for blood products and ensure that the highest standards of safety are maintained.