Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) — Southeast Health Medical Center has officially treated its first patient using irradiated blood products following the installation of a new blood irradiator at Southeast Health Laboratory Services.
The new technology will allow cancer patients and premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to receive advanced blood treatment close to home instead of traveling outside the Wiregrass region or waiting for products from other blood banks.
Irradiated blood products are used to help prevent transfusion-associated graft versus host disease, a rare but potentially fatal complication that can occur after blood transfusions.
Hospital officials said the addition of the blood irradiator marks a major advancement for local healthcare and cancer treatment services in the area.
“The generosity of our donors is already making a life-saving difference,” said Amy Bunting, director of the Southeast Health Foundation. “This milestone shows what is possible when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable patients.”
Southeast Health Foundation officials also announced that the Champions of Hope event will return Oct. 17 to continue supporting cancer care initiatives across the Wiregrass.
