[The eccentriplate device on the Dideco Vivacell cell separator for the collection of platelets]

When adapted to the Dideco Vivacell cell separator, the eccentriplate system allows preparation of leukocyte-poor platelet concentrates. Results of its use on 84 procedures showed that a mean of 4.51 x 10(11) platelets were removed in less than 2 hours with a particularly low level of leukocyte contamination: 2.6 x 10(8). Study of platelet function showed them to be altered more by eccentriplate than by conventional removal with the same apparatus. Analysis of recirculation in vivo corroborated the functional anomalies observed with all aggregating agents (with the exception of arachidonate). These anomalies were associated with a quantity of platelets collected at the lower limit of French norms: 30% of the concentrates contained less than 4 x 10(11) platelets. These findings indicate the need for improvement in the eccentriplate system.