World Blood Donor Day 2024: Blood Tech Startups Revolutionising Healthcare

World Blood Donor Day is an annual event that highlights the importance of blood donation and encourages people around the globe to contribute to this life-saving cause.

Celebrated on June 14th each year, this day serves as a reminder of the critical role that blood donors play in the healthcare system. Blood donations are essential for treating many medical conditions, including blood loss, anemia, and cancer.

This year, the theme is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors,” marking the 20th anniversary of this vital observance.

 

The History Of Blood Donation

 

The history of blood donation dates back to 1940 when Richard Lower successfully performed a blood transfusion between two dogs. This procedure laid the foundation for modern blood transfusion techniques, which have since become a routine part of medical practice.

The World Health Assembly designated June 14th as World Blood Donor Day in 2005, and it has been celebrated annually to promote awareness and appreciation for blood donors worldwide.

 

The Significance Of World Blood Donor Day

 

World Blood Donor Day aims to raise awareness about the necessity of regular blood donations and to support communities in maintaining a steady supply of safe blood.

This year’s theme celebrates two decades of acknowledging the invaluable contributions of blood donors. The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises the life-saving impact of these donations and calls for continued efforts to ensure that safe blood transfusion is accessible to everyone.

 

Blood Tech: Revolutionising Blood Donation and Transfusion

 

The concept of blood tech encompasses the advancements in technology that are transforming the way blood is donated, stored, and transfused. The goal of these innovations is to improve the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of blood services, addressing some of the challenges faced in the blood donation process.

 

Innovations In Blood Donation

 
Recent technological advancements have made blood donation more efficient and less invasive.

Automated blood collection systems now allow for the separation and collection of specific blood components, such as plasma or platelets, during a single donation session.

This not only maximises the utility of each donation but also minimises the time donors spend at collection centres.

 

Enhancing Blood Storage and Safety

 
Blood storage technology has also seen significant improvements.

New storage solutions and refrigeration techniques have extended the shelf life of blood products, ensuring that they remain viable for longer periods.

Additionally, pathogen reduction technologies are being developed to further ensure the safety of donated blood by eliminating harmful viruses and bacteria.

 

Expanding Access To Blood Services

 
Blood tech is playing a crucial role in expanding access to blood services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where blood shortages are most acute.

Mobile blood collection units equipped with advanced technology are being deployed to remote areas, making it easier for people in these regions to donate blood.

Furthermore, digital platforms and apps are being used to connect potential donors with nearby blood donation centres, streamlining the donation process and increasing donor engagement.

 

 

Blood Tech Startups Revolutionising Healthcare 

 

There are several startups in the blood tech space that are revolutionising the healthcare industry. These companies are developing innovative blood tests and liquid biopsy technologies to enable earlier detection of diseases like cancer and provide more personalised treatment options.

 

Biocode

 

 

Biocode is a medical technology company that develops diagnostic solutions centred around inflammation.

Their key products include the Biocheck Inflammation rapid test, which screens for and tracks inflammatory conditions, and an upcoming microclot detection service through their Biolab facility.

Biocode’s innovations aim to contribute to better management and improvement of human health by providing affordable and accessible tools for diagnosing and monitoring inflammation-linked diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and neurological disorders.

 

CMR Surgical

 

 

CMR Surgical is a medical technology company that has developed the Versius Surgical Robotic System, a modular and portable robotic platform designed to make minimally invasive surgery more accessible. The Versius system aims to empower surgeons to transform how surgery is performed globally.

The Versius system is designed to fit seamlessly into existing operating room workflows, enabling hospitals to provide patients with access to minimally invasive procedures.

The company’s mission is to transform surgery for millions of people worldwide by making robotic-assisted surgery more widely available.

 

Freenome

Freenome is a biotechnology company focused on early cancer detection through a novel multiomics screening platform. Their approach combines computational biology, machine learning, and multiple data types like genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics to detect cancer’s subtlest signs, even at the earliest stages.

Freenome’s first product is a blood test for early detection of colorectal cancer, with the PREEMPT CRC study evaluating over 40,000 participants. They are also working on a lung cancer screening test through the PROACT LUNG study.

Freenome aims to make cancer screening more accessible by developing intelligent, multimodal tests that can catch the disease early when it is most treatable and survival rates are highest.

 

Reperio Health

 

 

Reperio Health is a company that offers biometric screening solutions for assessing key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and body mass index.

Their flagship product is a comprehensive at-home wellness screening kit that provides instant results through a simple finger prick blood test and connected devices. This allows individuals to conveniently monitor their risk for chronic conditions like hypertension, prediabetes, and high cholesterol from the comfort of their home.

Reperio’s goal is to modernise the wellness screening experience and empower people with real-time health insights to encourage proactive management of their well-being.

 

DELFI Diagnostics

DELFI Diagnostics is a company that develops advanced liquid biopsy tests for early cancer detection. They utilise a novel approach called fragmentomics, which involves analysing patterns of cell-free DNA fragments in the bloodstream to detect the presence of cancer and its tissue of origin.

DELFI employs machine learning algorithms that can analyse millions of data points from these DNA fragments, enabling high accuracy in detecting cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. Their key product is FirstLook, a blood test that can help determine the likelihood of lung cancer and guide the need for further screening.

DELFI aims to make early cancer screening more accessible and affordable through their innovative technology.

 

Circular Genomics

 

 

Circular Genomics is a pioneering company in precision medicine that utilises cutting-edge technology and proprietary data to uncover insights for personalised treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Their focus is on advancing circular RNA biomarkers, which can be detected through a simple blood test, for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches. By analysing these biomarkers, Circular Genomics aims to empower individuals with deeper insights into their mental health and identify optimal treatment pathways.

The company is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through their innovative technologies and data-driven approach, striving to create a better understanding of mental health and neurology.