Workforce wins Defence Tech Prize for extending shelf lifetime of platelets to assist save lives

SINGAPORE – A staff from Singapore has managed to increase the shelf lifetime of platelets – a part in blood that stops and stops bleeding – from the earlier one week to 2 years.

This breakthrough may make a life-or-death distinction for injured troopers who’re bleeding excessively within the battlefield in addition to civilians in medical emergencies.

This course of was beforehand difficult as a result of platelets could possibly be saved for under every week, not like crimson blood cells which have a shelf lifetime of six weeks and could be frozen for as much as 10 years.

After years of analysis, a staff comprising employees from the Military Medical Service, DSO Nationwide Laboratories, the Well being Sciences Authority and Singapore Basic Hospital (SGH) has provide you with a option to freeze platelets for 2 years earlier than utilizing them.

On Thursday, the staff have been amongst 10 winners of the annual Defence Expertise Prize (DTP), given to those that have made vital contributions to the defence capabilities of Singapore.

In a speech through the prize presentation ceremony held on the Defence Science and Expertise Company (DSTA) auditorium, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen introduced up the staff’s innovation as one that would make a distinction.

Citing the instance of a dengue outbreak, he mentioned it might mitigate the necessity for donors to continually give blood to assist troubled people who’ve decrease platelet counts.

He added: “The Singapore Armed Forces and defence know-how neighborhood should assist Singapore and Singaporeans climate the storms forward.

“When the going will get robust, it is going to be qualities similar to boldness, innovativeness, persistence, resolute, calm, and a warrior spirit that can assist individuals overcome any problem. And these qualities are exemplified by our DTP award winners in the present day.”

Main (Dr) Jasper Wang, 31, who’s a part of the staff, mentioned the analysis course of took about 5 to 6 years and culminated in scientific trials the place 18 sufferers from SGH with low platelet counts acquired transfusions.

The frozen platelets have been discovered to be simply as efficient, paving the way in which for its utilization in navy operations and humanitarian assist missions.

“We have now a small nationwide inhabitants, so we have to make each drop of donated blood depend,” mentioned Maj Wang. “With a frozen inventory of platelets on standby, it permits us to be resilient to cyclical modifications in demand.”

One other recipient of the DTP was the staff behind the next-generation command and management data system (CCIS) utilized by the military.

The software program engine makes use of real-time knowledge to assist commanders coordinate troops on the bottom, with algorithms performing a mess of duties, together with terrain evaluation.