[Preparation of leukocyte-depleted thrombocyte concentrate: in-vitro testing of a new filtration system (PL 100)]

A newly developed filter-system (PL 100) for the removal of leukocytes from platelet concentrates was tested. It removes contaminating leukocytes by 99.7 +/- 0.6%. The platelet loss was calculated as 25.7 +/- 9.5%. The filtration process does not influence the filtered platelets; plasma-electrolytes, LDH-concentrations, platelet aggregation curves and serotonin-release remain constant. In addition, platelet ultrastructure is not influenced by the filtration. In spite of the high platelet loss, the tested filter-system seems to be a suitable alternative to the conventional methods for the removal of contaminating leukocytes from platelet concentrates.