Leukodepletion of platelet concentrates and plasma collected with Haemoneties (R) MCS+ apheresis system. Experience of EFS-Alsace

The prevention of transfusion reactions and transmission of infectious dise ases partly relies on the systematic removal of leukocytes from blood produ cts. Apheresis platelets and plasma collected on the Haemonetics((R)) MCScollection system require filtration to obtain low levels of residual leuko cytes. This filtration step is automated for platelet concentrates, whereas plasma filtration requires sterile docking of a leukoreduction filter. Our experience shows residual leukocyte levels of approximately 10(5) for plat elets (the French requirements are 10(6) per unit) and 10(2) for apheresis plasma (no existing standard in France). Leukocyte residuals in platelets a re highly dependent on the filtration rate, which should be as slow as poss ible. Whereas the current method of filtration is convenient for platelets, the connection of an in-line filter for plasma causes some organizational problems and is also associated with a loss of plasma. Haemonetics' latest development, the use of a filtering core bowl, should avoid the requirement for the connection of an additional filter for plasma filtration and will ensure continuous filtration of platelets, reducing, even further, the resi dual leukocyte count in platelet concentrates. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.