MILWAUKEE, April 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BloodCenter of Wisconsin, part of Versiti, announced the launch of a new assay which will more accurately measure von Willebrand (VWF) factor activity. The test, VWF GPIbM Activity employs patented technology previously not utilized in the United States. Precise measurement of VWF platelet binding activity is critical for making an accurate diagnosis of von Willebrand (VWD) disease in patients.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the first organization to make this test available in the United States in a clinical laboratory setting.
BloodCenter's VWF GPIbM Activity assay detects qualitative VWF defects, reducing variability and providing more precise, reliable and sensitive test results. Utilizing VWF GPIbM Activity, practicing hematologists can be confident that the results reflect the clinical scenario of the patient.
"As a physician caring for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders, this development is an exciting advancement in von Willebrand disease diagnostics," said Johnathan Roberts, M.D., Associate Medical Director, Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute, Peoria, Ill. "This assay will reduce some of the diagnostic challenges in caring for individuals with von Willebrand disease."
What is von Willebrand disease?von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder affecting up to 1% of the U.S. population. It is genetic disorder caused by an alteration or deficiency of a blood-clotting protein called von Willebrand factor.
This disease may be difficult to diagnose because many people with VWD have mild signs and symptoms. Making the most accurate diagnosis is critical to identifying the most appropriate treatment to manage the disease. Though there is no cure, treatment can help prevent or stop bleeding episodes.
BloodCenter's Diagnostic Laboratories help physicians provide clinical care to patients worldwide, fostering better understanding and treatment options for patients with difficult-to-diagnose diseases. In addition, the laboratories collaborate with other institutions and industry partners to bring new diagnostic testing and treatment options to patient care.
About BloodCenter of Wisconsin BloodCenter of Wisconsin, part of Versiti, is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the exclusive provider of blood to hospitals in 30 Wisconsin counties as well as to hospitals and patients across the country. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.
http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenterofWisconsin http://twitter.com/#!/bloodcenterwi http://www.youtube.com/bloodcenterwisc
About VersitiVersiti is a strategic affiliation of successful healthcare organizations whose vision is to improve the health of patients as the national leader in innovative transfusion solutions for healthcare systems. Working together,
Versiti offers hospitals a more comprehensive range of services, including transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cell and cellular therapies, hematology, oncology and genomics. At Versiti, they are passionate about improving the lives of their patients and hospital partners. Versiti's expertise and resources lead to new products, solutions and services to meet patient and hospital needs. For more information, visit www.Versiti.org.
Contact: Fay Spano (414) [email protected]
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BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the first organization to make this test available in the United States in a clinical laboratory setting.
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BloodCenter's VWF GPIbM Activity assay detects qualitative VWF defects, reducing variability and providing more precise, reliable and sensitive test results. Utilizing VWF GPIbM Activity, practicing hematologists can be confident that the results reflect the clinical scenario of the patient.
"As a physician caring for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders, this development is an exciting advancement in von Willebrand disease diagnostics," said Johnathan Roberts, M.D., Associate Medical Director, Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute, Peoria, Ill. "This assay will reduce some of the diagnostic challenges in caring for individuals with von Willebrand disease."
What is von Willebrand disease?von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder affecting up to 1% of the U.S. population. It is genetic disorder caused by an alteration or deficiency of a blood-clotting protein called von Willebrand factor.
This disease may be difficult to diagnose because many people with VWD have mild signs and symptoms. Making the most accurate diagnosis is critical to identifying the most appropriate treatment to manage the disease. Though there is no cure, treatment can help prevent or stop bleeding episodes.
BloodCenter's Diagnostic Laboratories help physicians provide clinical care to patients worldwide, fostering better understanding and treatment options for patients with difficult-to-diagnose diseases. In addition, the laboratories collaborate with other institutions and industry partners to bring new diagnostic testing and treatment options to patient care.
About BloodCenter of Wisconsin BloodCenter of Wisconsin, part of Versiti, is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the exclusive provider of blood to hospitals in 30 Wisconsin counties as well as to hospitals and patients across the country. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.
http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenterofWisconsin http://twitter.com/#!/bloodcenterwi http://www.youtube.com/bloodcenterwisc
About VersitiVersiti is a strategic affiliation of successful healthcare organizations whose vision is to improve the health of patients as the national leader in innovative transfusion solutions for healthcare systems. Working together,
Versiti offers hospitals a more comprehensive range of services, including transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cell and cellular therapies, hematology, oncology and genomics. At Versiti, they are passionate about improving the lives of their patients and hospital partners. Versiti's expertise and resources lead to new products, solutions and services to meet patient and hospital needs. For more information, visit www.Versiti.org.
Contact: Fay Spano (414) [email protected]
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SOURCE BloodCenter of Wisconsin
