Donations from center to be used in life-saving therapies

Mount Pleasant, Mich., December 8, 2003 -- BioLife Plasma Services, part of Baxter Healthcare Corporation, celebrated the opening of a state-of-the-art plasma collection facility in Mount Pleasant this morning with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony hosted by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. The new facility is located at 4279 Bluegrass Road.

The center collects plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, through a process called plasmapheresis. It is from this plasma that life-saving biological products are produced by Baxter and used in therapies to treat people with hemophilia and immune deficiencies, as well as trauma and burn victims. The facility opens with a staff of 21 employees, managed by Gary Ziegenfelder.

During the donation process, the plasma component of whole blood is collected through the use of an automated machine, returning saline and the unused blood components, such as red blood cells and platelets, to the donor. Each donation procedure uses sterile and disposable collection materials. Once the donation is complete, the disposable equipment is discarded and replaced with new materials for the next donation. Donors are monetarily reimbursed for their commitment to the program, and can spend the 1½-hour donation time studying, listening to music, reading or relaxing.

BioLife will play a vital role in the surrounding communities. Plasma donors not only contribute the source of life-saving plasma-based products, they also contribute to the commercial vitality of their immediate neighborhoods. Donors can receive up to $170 a month for their commitment to BioLife’s plasma donation program, which then may be directed to support church, civic and charitable organizations as well as activities for their families.

The facility is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for donations. Please call 989-773-1500 to make an appointment. You can also find out more information about BioLife Plasma Services on the company’s website at www.biolifeplasma.com.

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal domestic operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), a global health care company that, through its subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people with life-threatening conditions. Baxter's bioscience, medication delivery and renal products and services are used to treat patients with some of the most challenging medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, infectious diseases, kidney disease and trauma.

For more information, please contact us .