title: Prospective evaluation of double RBC collection using three different apheresis systems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Automated component collection systems offer the possibility of increasing blood supply and improving transfusion safety.
  
  
  METHODS
  30 blood donors were randomly assigned to double RBC collection with either the Baxter Alyx (AX), the Haemonetics MCS Plus (MCS+), or the Gambro Trima Accel (TA). Procedures were prospectively evaluated focussing on yield, time, efficiency, citrate donor load, and in vitro quality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All units showed sufficient in vitro quality throughout 42 days of storage and complied with international requirements. Donor reactions were limited to mild citrate reactions. AX was the fastest and most efficient system* * (* *p approximately 0.001) attaining the highest yield* * from similar amounts of whole blood. The drawbacks were a higher RBC loss* (*p < 0.05) and accelerated citrate infusion* *. Due to lower collection rates* * * (* * *p < 0.001), MCS+ was slower than TA* * * but compensated with lower citrate load * * *.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Double RBC apheresis was performed safely and efficiently with all three instruments. AX had advantages for most parameters evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Transfusion Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany. susanne.picker@uk-koeln.de
authors.forename: Susanne M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Picker
authors.forename: Stela M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Radojska
authors.forename: Birgit S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Gathof
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001331:Automation; D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D001782:Blood Donors; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D004869:Equipment Safety; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies