Effect of syringe and aggregate filter administration on survival of transfused autologous fresh feline red blood cells.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of transfusion using a syringe and microaggregate filter on short-term survival and circulating half-life of autologous feline RBCs.


METHODS
Prospective, internally controlled, observational study.


METHODS
A University Teaching Hospital


METHODS
Six apparently healthy, owned cats.


METHODS
Blood collection by jugular venipuncture. Transfusion with labeled, autologous, fresh RBCs.


RESULTS
Anticoagulated whole blood (35 mL/cat) was collected in 2 equal aliquots. RBCs were washed and labeled at 2 different biotin densities, before suspension in autologous plasma. Labeled RBCs were then transfused using 2 methods, gravity flow and pump delivery using a 20 mL syringe and 18 μm microaggregate filter. Whole blood samples were collected from each cat at 2-hour intervals for 12 hours following completion of the transfusions. Additional samples were collected at weekly intervals up to 6 weeks to assess circulating half-life of the transfused cells. Cell survival was assessed via flow cytometry. The proportion of transfused cells remaining in each of the 2 populations was measured. Biotinylated RBCs were readily detected in all cats over the 6-week sampling period. There was a significant decrease in both populations of labeled cells over the 6-week period (P < 0.01), as expected. There was no difference in probability that the RBCs would survive up to 12 hours immediately following transfusion, and no significant difference in survival between the 2 groups over 6 weeks. The average half-life of all labeled cells was approximately 23 days.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that, in contrast to findings from dogs, transfusion of autologous feline RBCs using a syringe + aggregate filter method does not significantly impact short- or long-term survival of the transfused cells.
College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97330.
Brandon W
BW
Heikes
Craig G
CG
Ruaux
D000818:Animals; D019921:Biotinylation / Q000662:veterinary; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000662:veterinary*; D002415:Cats / Q000097:blood*; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000662:veterinary*; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007260:Infusion Pumps / Q000662:veterinary; D013594:Syringes / Q000662:veterinary*
biotinylation; blood administration; cats; flow cytometry; half-life; streptavidin-phycoerythrin