The Fenwal CS3000 inline pack is acceptable for donor blood sampling

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Closed system apheresis kits for the Fenwal CS3000 blood cell separator offer a blood sampling pack.
• This pack aims to facilitate same-day donor testing while maintaining a closed system.
• Potential concerns include sample accuracy due to clotting, cell adherence, or dilution with priming fluid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of complete blood counts (CBC) using blood samples collected from an inline pack on apheresis kits.
• To compare CBC results from the inline pack with those from simultaneous venipuncture samples.
• To assess the impact of potential contaminants (e.g., saline) on CBC accuracy from the inline pack.

Main Methods:

• Paired blood samples were collected simultaneously from 17 donors using the inline pack and separate venipuncture.
• Complete blood counts (CBC) were performed on both sets of samples.
• Simulated contamination with saline was introduced to assess its effect on pack sample accuracy.

Main Results:

• CBC values obtained from the inline pack and venipuncture were nearly identical when samples were collected properly.
• Even with deliberate saline contamination, CBC values from the pack showed only a slight decrease.
• The inline sampling method maintained system closure throughout the process.

Conclusions:

• The inline blood sampling pack on closed system apheresis kits provides accurate donor blood samples for CBC analysis.
• This method effectively maintains a closed system, reducing risks of contamination and ensuring donor safety.
• The findings support the use of inline packs for reliable same-day donor testing in apheresis procedures.