Excel: a new cell separator in its very first clinical application.
BACKGROUND
The evolution of technology has been one of the most interesting features that has accompanied thrombocytapheresis throughout the years. In this presentation we report on the preliminary results obtained with Excel, a third-generation cell separator that is presently in its early experimental phase.


METHODS
So far only 15 thrombocytapheresis procedures, 2 of which of the single-needle type, were carried out on 15 healthy donors processing 4 liters of blood (2.8 liters in single needle).


CONCLUSIONS
The results were satisfactory since the average platelet yield was 4.7 x 10(11). The leukocyte contamination was 0.8 x 10(6) and the RBC contamination 0.4 x 10(7). The platelet efficiency per minute was 6.5 x 10(9), and the run time average 72 min. As to the quality of the product the very first results of platelet aggregation, relative to pre-apheresis, were 78% in response to ADP 6 microM; 106 and 102% in response to collagen 4.5 micrograms/ml and ristocetin 1.5 mg/ml, respectively. Essentially no platelet aggregates were found in the platelet products (Wu-Hoak ratio: 0.91).
Centro Trasfusionale, Ospedale San Martino, Genova, Italia.
M
M
Valbonesi
R
R
Frisoni
G
G
Giannini
G
G
Florio
P
P
Carlier
M R
MR
Ruzzenenti
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D001810:Blood Volume / Q000502:physiology; D002417:Cattle; D003201:Computers; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D010976:Platelet Count; D010983:Plateletpheresis / Q000295:instrumentation*