HISTORY

• Manufacturing blood typing reagents since the early 1940's 
• Current organisation was formed in 1999 following the merger of two specialised NHS diagnostics manufacturing units in Scotland 
• Formerly part of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, delivering a range of diagnostic products to the NHS in Scotland   
• In 1982 started production of monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic use 
• In 1999, moved to its present site at Ellen's Glen, South Edinburgh, with further expansion on the site in 2002 
• Recognising the successful development of its product portfolio and its international business, the organisation changed its name to Alba Bioscience in 2005
• In September 2007, company became part of the Quotient BioResearch group.

 BUSINESS

• One of the largest manufacturers of monoclonal blood grouping products in the world   
• Supplies vital health care products to hospitals, blood services and contract customers in over 30 countries 
• Has successfully built up a growing international business, with over 70% of sales outside Scotland 
• Products used by major diagnostic companies & blood transfusion services around the world 
• Contract manufacturing services including freeze drying; bulk antibody & antiserum production; technical services & regulatory advice; process design & development - an area for business expansion for the company 
• A leading player in the Scottish biotech industry and one of the largest bio-manufacturing companies 
• Currently employs over 60 staff in its Edinburgh facility, and supports services to hospital blood banks throughout Scotland and internationally

FACILITIES

• A purpose built 2000m2 manufacturing facility was opened in 2002 
• Installation of a new continuous bioreactor has doubled output for monoclonal antibodies in the last few years, with a further system added in 2007 
• An established and well-run GMP facility, with class 100,000 production area and class 1,000 clean rooms 
• Has key quality accreditations in place, with regular audits from notified bodies (CE mark; ISO 9001 & 13485; FDA)

PRODUCTS

• Produces products to assist healthcare professionals perform critical blood matching and associated tests, which ensure patients receive correct blood products for transfusion 
• Manufactures a range of blood grouping & haemostasis reagents as proprietary products, or as bulk intermediate products for use in diagnostic kits 
• In 75% of all blood typing tests performed globally, at least one of the test reagents will be derived from an Alba monoclonal cell line 
• Products registered in many countries, with FDA & CE mark approvals 
• Proven track record for quality, leading edge products