title: Platelet concentrates produced from whole blood using the Atreus processing system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Atreus 2C+ system automates whole blood (WB) processing into a red cell concentrate, plasma and buffy coat (BC) suitable for platelet concentrate (PC) manufacture. This study compared the quality of PC made from BC using the Atreus, with those made by a manual method.
  
  
  METHODS
  WB was collected into Atreus disposables or standard bottom and top processing packs and held without active cooling for 26 h at 22 +/- 2 degrees C before processing, either with the Atreus, or using a centrifuge and press. BC were rested for 3 h and then 4 BC were pooled with one unit of plasma, mixed, centrifuged and pressed to make a pooled PC. The PC were analysed for quality markers to day 9 of storage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Platelet quality was good in both Atreus 2C+ derived PC and control units throughout storage. Metabolic markers (pH, ATP and HSR) and activation markers (CD62P, sCD62P, annexin V binding, microparticles, GP IIb/IIIa) did not differ between the Atreus and control units. Atreus-derived PC had significantly lower platelet yields (302 +/- 59 x 10(9) platelets/unit; mean +/- standard deviation, n = 8) than control PC (411 +/- 76 x 10(9) platelets/unit; P < 0.01), but met the UK guidelines for platelet yield.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From these in vitro data, PC produced from buffy coats prepared using the Atreus appear suitable for clinical use, and WB may be held at ambient temperature overnight without the use of active cooling devices. Optimizing the secondary processing conditions to handle Atreus 2C+ derived BC may increase the platelet yield.
authors.affiliation: Components Development Laboratory, NHS Blood and Transplant, Brentwood, Essex, UK. stephen.thomas@nhsbt.nhs.uk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beard
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garwood
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Callaert
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cardigan
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D001769:Blood; D001792:Blood Platelets; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D013696:Temperature