Evaluation of a concurrent multicomponent collection system for the collection and storage of WBC-reduced RBC apheresis concentrates

BACKGROUND: Multicomponent apheresis procedures offer the possibility of co llecting blood components that are standardized, as compared to those avail able with whole-blood donations. A new separator program for the concurrent collection of RBCs, platelets, and plasma (Amicus, Baxter Healthcare) was evaluated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis donors (n = 47) underwent concurrent co llection of RBCs, platelets, and plasma by use of the single-needle procedu re of the Amicus blood cell separator. A standardized RBC volume (100% Hct) of 200 mL was targeted with either 1 or 2 platelet concentrate units, depe nding on the donor's predonation characteristics. After collection, the RBC component was sterilely connected to an RBC collection set (Amicus) to all ow for the addition of 100 mL of saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol preservati ve solution and WBC reduction at either ambient temperature or 4 degreesC. The RBC units were subsequently stored at 2 to 6 degreesC for 42 days, and the following in vitro measures were evaluated over the storage period: blo od cell counts including Hct and total Hb, plasma Hb, potassium, pH, ATP, a nd 2,3 DPG. RESULTS: Procedure time averaged 74 +/- 9 minutes, and no adverse events we re reported. The absolute RBC volume collected averaged 198 +/- 11 mL with an average Hct value of 83 +/- 2 percent. After filtration, the Hb content averaged 58.2 +/- 2.4 g per unit and residual WBCs averaged 0.038 +/- 0.015 x 10(6) per unit. Day 42 results showed that all units had on average more than 70-percent ATP maintenance, and all of the units had less than 0.8 pe rcent hemolysis. All units had pH values higher than 6.5 on Day 42. CONCLUSION: The concurrent multicomponent collection system (Amicus) can re liably collect a standardized RBC unit of good quality. In vitro testing of the RBCs collected and stored for 42 days met the Council of Europe criter ia for transfusion.