A Seattle company that tests the condition of blood products planned to release data today showing its lead product can accurately measure platelet health without contamination.
The results from the company, BCSI, were to be presented at the American Association of Blood Banks annual meeting in Seattle.
Platelets, perishable blood products that form clots to stop bleeding, are given to patients being treated for cancer, trauma and transplant surgeries.
BCSI's pH Detection System uses optical sensors inserted into fluid storage bags — without contaminating the contents — to test platelet acidity, an indicator of platelet health.
Chairman and Chief Executive Geoff Holmes said the technology could help hospitals and blood banks improve inventory management.
More than 1 million units of platelets, which have a five-day shelf life, are discarded annually.
BCSI expects to introduce its product in Europe early next year, with a North American release perhaps by 2007. Founded in 1999, BCSI has 14 employees in Seattle.
Apple Computer
Samsung plant talks collapse in stalemate
Samsung Electronics said today it failed to reach an agreement to build a chip factory with Apple Computer, which uses the South Korean company's chips in its iPods.
Negotiations broke down after criticism about Samsung by local politicians and civil-rights groups, the Korea Economic Daily reported this month.
Samsung Group has been at the center of scandals in South Korea involving its executives.
Apple is talking with another semiconductor company about building a chip plant in the U.S., according to the Korea Economic Daily report.
Hainan Airlines
Financier Soros to double stake
Global financier George Soros has agreed to invest $25 million more in Hainan Airlines, doubling his investment in the Chinese regional carrier, state media said today.
The funds will go to Grand China Air, a carrier Hainan Air is putting together by merging three smaller rivals, the Shanghai Securities News said.
Soros invested $25 million in 1995 to buy 14.8 percent of Hainan Air.
Kagan Research
Subscriber growth of broadband falls
Broadband subscriber growth started to slow in 2005, according to a new study from Kagan Research.
The research firm forecasts 9.3 million net new broadband subscribers in 2005 — down from the 9.5 million in 2004. That figure is seen dropping off to 8.1 million net new users in 2006 with continued decreases thereafter.
Compiled from Seattle Times business staff, The Associated Press, Reuters and Bloomberg News
