A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF PLATELETPHERESIS USING BAXTER-AUTOPHERESIS-C AND HEMONETICS-PCS-PLUS

This study compared plateletpheresis on the Haemonetics PCS Plus (PCS Plus) and the Baxter Autopheresis C (Auto C) using the same 100 select ed donors. The number of packs meeting UK BTS/NIBSC specification (> 2 .2 x 10(11) platelets per pack) was achieved by 99% of PCS Plus and 82 % of Auto C procedures. The positive correlation found between donor p recount and final platelet yield was better for the PCS Plus. Both mac hines met U.K. specification for white-cell contamination but this was significantly greater for the Auto C. Plasma yields were similar. As a result of this study we chose to use the PCS Plus for routine platel etpheresis in our unit. This has enabled us not only to comply with UK BTS/NIBSC specifications for apheresis platelets easily and cost effe ctively but also to meet our own higher specification (2.75 x 10(11) p latelets per pack) using existing staff and without extending the work ing day.