[Evaluating a new, fully automated blood separator with continuous blood flow]

The AS 104 separator provides for platelet yields in agreement with given standards. The number of undesired cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes) compares favorably with other technical separation systems. Concentrate volumes, total amount of ACD-A used, extracorporal blood volume and the reduction of donor blood cells are no challenge for the donor. The number of technical problems is not unusual for a new separation system entering into the first clinical evaluation. These data, as well as the deviation of yields, recommend further optimation. The technical optimation achieved so far and an expanded evaluation using statistical procedures permit an optimal, donor-independent (using variance analysis) or individual (using regression analysis) equilibration of the machine and permit the recognition of potential differences between different separators, centers or software versions, thus allowing the calculation of the number of runs needed to recognize differences from optimal standards.