The expanded hematopoietic stem cell transplant center of Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, which has 26 aseptic class-100 laminar flow wards, was fully put into use Thursday.
The center is currently the largest pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation center in China, according to the hospital. Before the expansion of the center, the hospital had only 10 such wards.
Every year, hundreds of children with blood disorders are on the transplant waiting list of Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, but the wards have been in short supply due to limited availability in the past, the hospital said.
“The opening of the new transplant center is a great blessing for children with hematologic tumors in Shenzhen and even the whole country,” said Li Sixi, director of the hematology and oncology department of the hospital.
According to Liu, the biggest advantage of a class-100 laminar flow ward is that it ensures a sterile environment for patients.
Liu explained that the air in the ward is filtered with the help of an air compressor and filters, which can remove bacteria and other microorganisms in the air, and form a relatively sterile space.
Wen Feiqiu, Party chief of Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, said that nearly 300 pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplants are expected to be completed next year. The number of transplants is expected to rank first in the country.
A total of 122 hematopoietic stem cell transplants were completed in the hospital in 2019, ranking third in public children’s hospitals in China, according to statistics from the China Bone Marrow Transplantation Registry.