Preparation of leukocyte-poor platelet concentrates via a short, hard spin of a pool of buffy coats.
OBJECTIVE
A new method for the preparation of leukocyte-poor platelet concentrates was developed, based on a short, hard spin of a pool of 5 buffy coats (BCs) combined with automated collection of the platelets.


METHODS
The characteristics of platelet concentrates (PCs) were studied as a function of the total g force applied to a pool of 5 BCs. Pools of BCs were centrifuged for 1 min with a total g force ranging from about 3,300 to 5,000 gmin (n = 7-9 per applied g force). Deceleration took place without the means of a brake. The total centrifugation time was about 11 min. The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) fraction above the cell layer was separated by an automated component preparation device.


RESULTS
A short, hard spin with a total g force of between 3,400 and 4,600 gmin resulted in PCs that contained on average more than 290x10(9) platelets and less than 5x10(6) leukocytes without the use of a leukocyte filter, provided that the transfer of PRP was electronically checked and terminated. The cell concentrations in the PCs are a function of the total g force. Both the platelet and leukocyte levels in the concentrate decreased with an increase in the total g force applied to the pool.


CONCLUSIONS
The preparation of PCs via a short hard, spin of BCs, combined with automated collection of the PRP, may be an alternative method for the preparation of leukocyte-poor PCs.
van Delden
C J
CJ
Blood Bank Noord Nederland, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Faber
R D
RD
de Wit
H J
HJ
Smit Sibinga
C T
CT
D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology*; D002498:Centrifugation; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes; D010976:Platelet Count; D013997:Time Factors