Anticoagulants and PBMCs: How Blood Collection Chemistry Shapes Immune Cell Research
Jennifer Chain, PhD, CABP October 8, 2025 This post is sponsored by: Blood Centers of America Advanced Therapies Network 1300 Division Road Suite 102 West Warwick, RI 02893 For inquiries, contact lrssupport@bca.coop Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are a cornerstone of immunological research, offering a window into the functional dynamics of the human immune system. Whether used […]
Leukopak Collection for GMP Manufacturing: A Blood Center Standardization Initiative
The Leukopak Work Group of the BCA Advanced Therapies Committee, comprising blood center industry experts in cell and gene therapy, blood banking, and regulatory affairs, has developed proposed standardized criteria for leukopaks derived from non-mobilized “healthy” donors intended for further GMP manufacturing. Proposed Criteria for Leukopaks as Starting Source Material for Further GMP Manufacturing These […]
Factors Impacting PBMC Viability in LRS Chambers and Buffy Coats
This post is sponsored by: Blood Centers of America Advanced Therapies Network 1300 Division Road Suite 102 West Warwick, RI 02893 For inquiries, contact lrssupport@bca.coop Jennifer Chain, PhD, CABP September 10, 2025 As scientists conduct cell-based research, one of the most common questions is: “Are my cells viable?” While researchers often assume the cells they purchase or isolate […]
How LRS Chambers Enrich PBMCs During Platelet Collection
Author: Jennifer Chain, PhD, CABP First Published: August 13, 2025 on www.cellsmatter.com Reposted here in full with permission (Aug 15, 2025) Platelet apheresis is designed to collect platelets for life-saving transfusions. But hidden within the tubing of the Trima Accel apheresis system from Terumo BCT lies a valuable byproduct: peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs […]
Leukoreduction System (LRS) Chambers Provide More Human Lymphocytes And Monocytes than Buffy Coats
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are integral in immunology and cell therapy research. These cells are often sourced from buffy coats derived during whole blood processing, however, leukoreduction system (LRS) chambers—typically discarded components of platelet apheresis kits—represent an underutilized yet superior alternative. This study evaluated and compared the cellular composition, PBMC subtype distribution, and viability […]
Panel Discussion by Endpoint News featuring BCA SVP of Advanced Therapies
Watch a fascinating panel discussion hosted by Endpoints News involving our Sr. VP of Advanced Therapies, Lee Buckler, and other industry colleagues discussing what it will take to deliver cell and gene therapies at scale.
New Update of BCA Advanced Therapies Capabilities Deck
We have an updated Advanced Therapies Capabilities Deck! We are proud to share this new deck, showcasing our national but hyper-local network of facilities throughout the country offering apheresis collection, cryopreservation, and ISO-7 clean room capacity for companies in the advanced therapy, cell and gene therapy sector. BCA ATN Capabilities deck (2023-09-25).pdf
BCA Launches a New Video Showcasing Its National Network
We have a new video showcasing BCA and its national network of centers supplying blood, red blood cells, platelets, plasma, to hospitals throughout the country and other therapeutic cells for further cell therapy manufacturing to biopharmaceutical companies with developing or commercial cell therapies. The video can be found here: BCA – Who We Are (1) […]
BCA Sr. Vice President of Advanced Therapies to Speak at the Immuno-Oncology Summit
Lee Buckler sets off to speak on decentralized manufacturing and allogenic approaches at the Immuno-Oncology Summit 2023.
Decentralization of Manufacturing Cell Therapies
Discussing the decentralization of manufacturing cell therapies