Separation of whole blood into plasma and red cells by using a hollow-fibre filtration system.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the separation of whole blood into red cells and plasma by using the Sangofer device, which is a gravity-fed, hollow-fibre system. The components would then be compared with those produced by the use of more elaborate technical equipment.


METHODS
Ten whole-blood units were leucoreduced by using a WBF2 filter and immediately separated into red cells and plasma by using the Sangofer blood-separation device. Red cells were stored in additive solution and tested on days 1 and 42. The plasma was assayed for levels of various coagulation factors and for markers of both coagulation and complement activation.


RESULTS
The red-cell parameters were similar to those obtained when routine centrifugation methods were used. The filter did not cause haemolysis. Levels of plasma factor VIII and factor XI were lower than those seen in routinely produced leucoreduced plasma units but there was no evidence of activation of the coagulation and complement systems.


CONCLUSIONS
The Sangofer device is simple and straightforward to use and eliminates the need for both centrifugation and automated separation steps during the processing of whole blood into red cells and plasma components. Minor changes are required to make the procedure easier to incorporate into routine use.
Hornsey
V S
VS
National Science Laboratory, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, UK. valerie.hornsey@snbts.csa.scot.nhs.uk
McColl
K
K
Drummond
O
O
Prowse
C V
CV
D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate / Q000378:metabolism; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000379:methods*; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D002469:Cell Separation; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D005374:Filtration; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D047589:Leukocyte Reduction Procedures / Q000379:methods; D008422:Materials Testing; D010949:Plasma / Q000378:metabolism*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D006454:Hemoglobins; D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D011188:Potassium