In vitro and in vivo evaluation of platelet transfusions administered through an electromechanical infusion pump

The authors evaluated two platelet infusion pump systems, the Abbott Lifecare 5000 and the Omniflow 4000, for evidence of in vitro platelet damage and in vivo platelet recovery. When compared with gravity infusion, there was no significant difference in levels of LDH discharge, beta-thromboglobulin release, cell counts, or morphology score after platelet concentrates were infused through these pumps. When the pumps were compared to gravity infusion in thrombocytopenic oncology patients, no differences were noted in platelet-corrected count increments at 1-4 hours or 12-24 hours post-transfusion. The authors conclude that these infusion systems do not significantly injure or activate platelets and that they are efficacious for transfusing platelet concentrates to thrombocytopenic patients. These infusion pumps may be of clinical benefit to pediatric or adult patients with a history of prior transfusion reactions, when precise control of the rate and volume of platelet transfusion is desired.