Héma-Québec Research & Development working to develop blood components in the laboratory

SAINTE-FOY, February 13, 2001 - Representatives from the HÉMA-QUÉBEC Research & Development department met with journalists today to present the research projects currently underway at HÉMA-QUÉBEC's Sainte-Foy laboratories. Dr. Réal Lemieux, Senior Director, Research & Development, explained that a significant research effort was being put into developing blood components in the laboratory, particularly platelets and certain plasma derivatives. The in vitro production of these components would ensure consistent availability and thus eliminate potential shortages.

Other pending research projects include examining the causes of certain false positive results to tests administered to donor blood samples, and operational research aimed at testing new processes that will be used in the day-to-day handling of blood components.

The Research & Development department, which is based at HÉMA-QUÉBEC's facility in Sainte-Foy, has a staff of 41 people conducting advanced research on blood cells and blood components.

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