Baxter International Inc (BAX.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) posted higher third-quarter earnings on Thursday, fueled by continued strong sales of blood therapy products, improved profit margins and a lower tax rate, and the medical products maker raised its forecast for the full year.

Baxter, which also makes intravenous medication pumps and renal products, expects earnings of $3.35 to $3.37 per share before special items. Analysts on average had forecast $3.30, according to Reuters Estimates.

Baxter forecast sales growth of 5 percent to 6 percent, excluding the impact of foreign exchange translations.

Third-quarter net earnings rose to $472 million, or 74 cents per share, from $395 million, or 61 cents per share, a year earlier.

Excluding items, earnings were 88 cents per share, beating the analysts’ average estimate of 82 cents.