Sonoco ThermoSafe (thermosafe.com), a unit of Sonoco and a leading supplier of temperature assurance packaging, has launched a revolutionary new product for the transport and temporary storage of red blood cells and platelets. The result of years of end-user research, the innovative Via Blood Transporter incorporates leading-edge technology in phase change and insulating material to ensure ultimate temperature protection, while its ergonomic features aid in the fast and efficient conveyance of blood when it matters most.

“The Via Blood Transporter’s unique design leverages Sonoco’s expertise in the automobile industry, where products require the utmost in durability,” says Russell Grissett, vice president of Sonoco ThermoSafe. “The transporter is constructed out of expanded polypropylene (EPP) that withstands the rigors of the most challenging hospital and blood bank environments. It features a bright red color for heightened visibility, an efficient light-weight design and an easy-to-clean interior and exterior.”

The Via Blood Transporter maintains red blood cells at 1-6°C for 8 hours during transport and 1-10°C for the temporary storage of blood product for a minimum of 12 hours. The transporter comes complete with PureTemp phase change material, which maintains strict temperature control and promotes the efficient, safe and compliant transport of blood product.

“The Via Blood Transporter was designed in accordance with blood bank user feedback,” says Marianne Hoonakker-Kelly, Sonoco ThermoSafe business development and market manager. “Unique and innovative features such as the front platelet pouch and affixed assembly instructions not only promote compliance, transport efficiencies and minimized risk of loss due to mishandling – they ultimately promote patient safety. Given the cost pressures applied to healthcare systems, products like the Via Blood Transporter are critical as they ensure recommended temperature protection while preventing the waste and loss of valuable blood product.”