Fully automated processing of buffy-coat-derived pooled platelet concentrates

Area of Science:

• Blood banking and transfusion medicine
• Hematology
• Medical device technology

Background:

• The OrbiSac device was developed to automate the manufacturing of buffy-coat platelet concentrates (BC-PCs).
• Evaluation of this device is crucial for understanding its potential impact on blood product processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in-vitro characteristics of BC-PCs manufactured using the OrbiSac device versus manual preparation.
• To assess the yield, standardization, and metabolic profile of platelets processed by the OrbiSac system.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 20 standard manual preparations (Std-PC) and 20 OrbiSac automated preparations (OS-PC).
• Both groups used platelet additive solution (PAS) and underwent centrifugation and WBC filtration.
• In-vitro analyses included platelet count, blood gas, glucose, lactate, LDH, beta-thromboglobulin, hypotonic shock response, and CD62p expression over 7 days of storage at 22°C.

Main Results:

• OrbiSac preparations (OS-PC) yielded a higher platelet content (3.1 x 10^11) compared to standard preparations (Std-PC) (2.7 x 10^11).
• OS-PC demonstrated greater standardization (CV 14%) versus Std-PC (CV 19%).
• At Day 7, OS-PCs showed reduced glucose consumption and lactate production, with improved blood gas parameters, suggesting better aerobic metabolism.

Conclusions:

• The OrbiSac device enhances platelet yield and improves consistency in product volume and yield.
• In-vitro platelet characteristics are not adversely affected by the OrbiSac automated manufacturing process.
• The OrbiSac system shows potential for optimizing BC-PC production.