Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
First comparative analysis concerning the plasma platelet contamination during MNC collection
Hella Pfeiffer1, Susanne Achenbach1, Julian Strobel1
1Transfusion Medicine and Haemostaseology Department, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany.
Background And Objectives:
Monocytes can be cultured into dendritic cells with addition of autologous plasma, which is highly prone to platelet contamination due to the apheresis process. Since platelets affect the maturation process of monocytes into dendritic cells and might even lead to a diminished harvest of dendritic cells, it is very important to reduce the platelet contamination. A new collection device (Spectra Optia) was analyzed, compared to two established devices (COM.TEC, Cobe Spectra) and evaluated regarding the potential generation of source plasma.
Materials And Methods:
Concurrent plasma collected during leukapheresis was analyzed for residual cell contamination in a prospective study with the new Spectra Optia apheresis device (n=24) and was compared with COM.TEC and Cobe Spectra data (retrospective analysis, n=72). Donor pre-donation counts of platelets were analyzed for their predictive value of contaminating PLTs in plasma harvests.
Results:
The newest apheresis device showed the lowest residual platelet count of the collected concurrent plasma (median 3.50×109/l) independent of pre-donation counts. The other two devices and sets had a higher platelet contamination. The contamination of the plasma with leukocytes was very low (only 2.0% were higher than 0.5×109/l).
Conclusions:
This study showed a significant reduction of platelet contamination of the concurrent plasma collected with the new Spectra Optia device. This plasma product with low residual platelets and leukocytes might also be used as plasma for fractionation.
Insights
The new Spectra Optia apheresis device significantly reduces platelet contamination in collected plasma. This improved plasma quality, with fewer platelets and leukocytes, may be suitable for fractionation.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Biomedical engineering
- Hematology
Background:
- Autologous plasma is used to culture monocytes into dendritic cells.
- Apheresis processes often contaminate plasma with platelets, impacting dendritic cell maturation.
- Reducing platelet contamination is crucial for optimal dendritic cell yield.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new apheresis device (Spectra Optia) for its potential to generate source plasma with reduced platelet contamination.
- To compare the Spectra Optia device against established devices (COM.TEC, Cobe Spectra) regarding platelet contamination in collected plasma.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study analyzed concurrent plasma from the Spectra Optia device (n=24) for residual cell contamination.
- Retrospective data from COM.TEC and Cobe Spectra devices (n=72) were used for comparison.
- The predictive value of pre-donation platelet counts on plasma contamination was assessed.
Main Results:
- The Spectra Optia device demonstrated the lowest residual platelet count (median 3.50×10^9/l) in collected plasma, irrespective of donor pre-donation counts.
- Established devices (COM.TEC, Cobe Spectra) exhibited higher platelet contamination.
- Leukocyte contamination was minimal, with only 2.0% of samples exceeding 0.5×10^9/l.
Conclusions:
- The Spectra Optia device significantly reduces platelet contamination in concurrently collected plasma.
- The resulting plasma product, with low platelet and leukocyte levels, shows potential for plasma fractionation applications.
