Abu Dhabi-UAE – SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, announced the introduction of a state-of-the-art blood irradiator at Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services. The advanced medical device marks a significant milestone in enhancing blood safety and quality standards in the region.

The RS 3400 X-Ray Blood Irradiator utilises X-ray irradiation to treat blood and blood components, significantly reducing the risk of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) in patients receiving blood transfusions. This potentially life-threatening complication occurs when white blood cells from the donated blood attack the recipient's body.

Unlike traditional irradiators that use radioactive materials like Caesium-137, the RS 3400 employs a single X-ray source. This eliminates the need for complex licensing and shielding requirements associated with radioactive materials.

The RS 3400 boasts a faster irradiation cycle, accommodating up to six units per cycle compared to the previous machine. This increased efficiency translates to a greater capacity to meet the growing need for blood products within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.

Dr Hamad Saif Al Nuaimi, Manager of the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services, said: "The new irradiator marks a significant milestone for the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services, reaffirming our commitment to advancing blood safety and quality standards. With this cutting-edge machine, we are enhancing our capacity to provide safe and reliable blood products to patients in need across Abu Dhabi. We are proud to invest in equipment that prioritises the safety and well-being of blood recipients, reinforcing our dedication to excellence in healthcare”.

This project is supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH), reflecting the government's commitment to providing the healthcare sector with advanced technologies and resources.

There were almost 66,000 donors in Abu Dhabi in 2023, a 37.53 per cent increase compared to 2022, with donors contributing nearly 99,000 units of blood. People can start giving blood from age 18, providing they are generally fit and well.

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About PureHealth

By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world. PureHealth is the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 100+ hospitals, 300+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind.

Pure Health’s network comprises: 

  • SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
  • Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) - Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services
  • Daman (The National Health Insurance Company) – The UAE’s leading health insurer
  • The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE
  • Rafed – The UAE’s largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation
  • PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region 
  • One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers
  • The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi’s first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
  • Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US
  • Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK
  • PureCS - A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems
  • Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE’s largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care

To learn more, please visit www.purehealth.ae

About SEHA

SEHA is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all of the public hospitals and clinics of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. SEHA is a PureHealth asset, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East. SEHA is committed to the continuous improvement of customer care to recognised international standards, and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 14 hospitals with over 3,000 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centres, and three blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 117,162 inpatients annually, conducting 43,262 surgeries, and treat more than 5 million outpatients. SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East, with more than 14,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel. Learn more at www.seha.ae