[A new approach for transfusion of neocytes: the Neocel system]

Young red cells (neocytes) were prepared in a double transfer pack having a long, narrow separation bag that allows for a density gradient column to be established during centrifugation. The lighter fraction of red cells (neocyte fraction) was then expressed into a second delivery bag. Phthalate ester density distribution curves showed that 87.1% of the neocyte units had greater than 85% enrichment, i.e. more than 85% of the cells had densities lower than the midpoint density of the original red cell unit, thalassemic patients receiving neocytes had an average decrease of 21.1% in red cells per kg/yr as compared to their frozen red cell requirement, and an average of 6.9% fewer transfusions.