Comparison of plateletpheresis concentrates produced with Spectra LRS version 5.1 and LRS Turbo version 7.0 cell separators.
BACKGROUND
The importance of transfusing WBC-reduced blood components is widely recognized, as it reduces the risk of alloimmunization and transfusion-transmitted CMV infections. The latest generation of cell separators allows the collection of WBC-reduced apheresis platelet concentrates (APCs).


METHODS
Consecutive APCs (n = 232) were retrospectively evaluated: 163 collected with the Spectra LRS [leukocyte-reduction system] Version 5.1 (Group A) and 69 with the LRS Turbo Version 7.0 (Group B) (both: COBE BCT). Donor peripheral blood count, procedure data, platelet yield, collection efficiency (CE), and residual WBC count in APCs were recorded.


RESULTS
The platelet yield was higher in Group B than in Group A: 5.5 +/- 1.4 versus 4.4 +/- 1.1, p<0.0001; residual WBCs were <5 x 10(6) in 99.4 percent of Group A APCs and in 97.1 percent of Group B APCs. CE was higher in Group B than in Group A: 51.4 +/- 8.7 versus 43.6 +/- 6.3, p<0.0001. Moreover, a correlation between predonation platelet count and platelet yield was observed in both groups. A double product (platelet yield >6.0 x 10(11)) was obtained in 28.9 percent of Group B APCs and in 9.2 percent of Group A APCs.


CONCLUSIONS
The Spectra LRS Turbo version 7.0 release showed a better CE and resulted in a higher platelet harvest than did the LRS version 5.1. High predonation platelet counts allow a higher platelet yield.
Immunohematology and Transfusion Department, Apheresis Unit and HLA Laboratory, San Gerardo de' Tintori, Monza Hospital, Italy. ppersegh@tin.it
P
P
Perseghin
L
L
Mascaretti
M
M
Riva
G
G
Sciorelli
D001772:Blood Cell Count; D006801:Humans; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D010983:Plateletpheresis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies