IBM 2991
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Medical devices, Blood processing equipment |
| Founded | 1960s |
| Headquarters | Endicott, New York , United States |
Key people | George T. Judson, Alan Jones, Everett "Van" Van Hoesen |
| Products | IBM 2991 Blood Cell Processor, IBM 2997 Blood Cell Separator, IBM 5880 ECG System |
The IBM 2991 Blood Cell Processor, created by IBM's Systems Development Division (SSD) in Endicott, New York, was introduced to the market in 1972 as a device for washing blood cells. It was designed to cleanse both fresh and frozen-thawed blood by eliminating cryoprotectants such as glycerol applied during the freezing process.
History and development
The origin of this technology dates back to 1964 when IBM secured funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) following an initiative led by engineer George T. Judson. Motivated by his son's leukemia diagnosis, Judson aimed to develop a continuous-flow blood centrifuge. This effort resulted in the launch of the NCI-IBM Blood Cell Separator in 1965. Around that period, Judson and his colleague Alan Jones were consulted by Dr. James R. Pert from the American Red Cross Blood Research program, who highlighted the necessity for a device capable of separating packed red blood cells from glycerol used in cryopreservation. The culmination of this collaboration was the introduction of the blood cell processor at the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) conference in September 1972.
Throughout the 1970s, SSD, which had been a significant profit center for IBM due to its punch card manufacturing, experienced a downturn as IBM redirected its focus toward computing technologies. Everett "Van" Van Hoesen, serving as SSD's vice president, actively sought new product avenues to rejuvenate the division’s portfolio. He successfully obtained approval for the 2991 processor project despite SSD’s limited experience in manufacturing medical devices. A critical factor in gaining support was the potential for ongoing revenue generated from consumable supplies associated with the processor, mirroring SSD’s traditional business model where supply sales closely matched machine capital investment. Van Hoesen’s determination and the project’s lack of appeal to other IBM divisions contributed to its greenlighting.
Subsequently, SSD broadened its range of medical instruments by introducing products such as the IBM 2997 Blood Cell Separator and the IBM 5880 ECG System.
Methodology
The processor functions by centrifuging blood units in varying concentrations of saline solution within a rotating system. Red blood cells are spun inside a circular bag while a hydraulic mechanism facilitates removal of saline, plasma, glycerol residues from freezing, and extraneous plasma proteins.
Blood washing is conducted using a disposable kit that includes a circular bag connected to five tubing lines extending from a central tube. These lines interface with sources such as the blood unit itself, saline solutions, or a waste collection bag. The processed blood may either be labeled within the circular bag or transferred into a conventional storage bag. Due to this process creating an open system, red blood cells treated with this device have a storage lifespan limited to 24 hours at temperatures between 1 and 6 °C.
Current use
As of December 2023, the IBM 2991 continues to be extensively utilized in blood bank operations for washing red blood cell units. It is currently produced and maintained by Terumo BCT under the name COBE® 2991 Cell Processor.