Red cell apheresis with automated in-line filtration.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to provide data on concurrent red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) apheresis with RBC in-line leukoreduction and automated addition of saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM) using the new version (V6.0) of Trima Accel®.


METHODS
In this two-center paired study, each subject completed a test and a control procedure with an interval of 9 weeks between procedures. In the test arm, single RBC and PLT units were collected on the Trima Accel V6.0 (in-line leukofiltration and automated addition of SAGM). In the control arm, they were collected on Trima Accel V5.1/V5.2 (post-collection leukoreduction, manual SAGM addition). RBC percent hemolysis, potassium concentration and adenosine triphosphate over storage, hemoglobin (Hb) yield, and residual white blood cells (WBC) were determined.


RESULTS
34 subjects successfully completed both test and control procedures. Post-storage hemolysis was similar in both groups, and all values were less than 0.8% for both arms. Residual WBC counts in all RBC units were less than 1 × 10(6)/unit. In-line processed RBC units (V6.0) have a significantly higher volume and more Hb/unit due to filtration recovery improvements. All procedures were well tolerated by the subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
In-line filtration and automated addition of storage solution on Trima Accel V6.0 allows collection of ready-to-use RBC units that meet EU requirements.
Institut für Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Leipzig, Germany.
Gert
G
Matthes
Institut für Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Leipzig, Germany.
Marin
M
Ingilizov
Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação, Centro de Sangue e Transplantação do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Maria Luz
ML
Dobao
Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação, Centro de Sangue e Transplantação do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Susana
S
Marques
Terumo BCT Europe NV, Zaventem, Belgium.
Martine
M
Callaert
Apheresis; Blood storage; In-line filtration; Leukoreduction; Multicomponent collection; Red blood cell