IBR Plasmapheresis Centers

by Robert Gagnard

I am proud to be involved as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the fast-growing company International BioResources (IBR). In a period of two years, IBR has developed more than 30 new plasmapheresis centers throughout the nation. Plasmapheresis is the process whereby whole blood is removed, and red blood cells are separated from plasma. With the red blood cells returned to donors, the plasma is utilized in preparing medical products. At IBR centers, donors are accepted from anyone between the ages of 18-69 who has passed screenings for diseases, such as AIDS and hepatitis, has undergone a medical examination, and has provided a full medical history. An adequate supply of plasma is of critical importance to the U.S. medical community, as more than 1 million patients rely on medicine utilizing plasma. Albumin is one such product, which is used to treat 120,000 burn victims and supply fluid replacement for some 200,000 heart surgery patients each year. Albumin is also a key ingredient in the manufacture of many biotech products. Immune Globulin is used to treat people exposed to infectious diseases when no vaccine is available and is also used in the treatment of rabies, hepatitis, measles, rabies, rubella, smallpox and chicken pox. Lastly, Plasma Protein Factor is a medical product prescribed for restoring plasma volume following shock, trauma, surgery, and burns. Because of the critical importance of maintaining an adequate supply of plasma nationwide, the plasmapheresis industry has developed a system of donor compensation, recognizing the substantial commitment of time and effort required of donors. Donors are allowed to make up to two donations of blood plasma per week, if they maintain a healthy diet with substantial amounts of fluids and proteins. It is my hope that IBR plasmapheresis centers can continue to expand in the future, providing a network of donation stations and adequate plasma supply to meet America`s critical health needs.