Deglycerolization of manually glycerolized, frozen red cell concentrates using a closed system cell processor

Historically, red cell concentrates (RCCs) have been manually glycerolized and deglycerolized using an open system (COBE 2991, Terumo). Implementation of a closed system cell processor (ACP-215, Haemonetics) for glycerolization and deglycerolization of RCCs creates a challenge for management of the historic cryopreserved RCC inventory. A study was undertaken to determine whether manually glycerolized frozen RCCs could be deglycerolized using the closed system processor, as the open system processors are being discontinued.

Thirteen ABO/Rh matched RCCs were pooled and split to produce six large (approximately 354 mL) and six small (approximately 244 mL) RCCs. All units were stored for 14 days post-collection, manually glycerolized and frozen at ≤ -65°C for ≥72 h. Half of the units of each size were deglycerolized using the COBE 2991 and resuspended in 0.9% saline, and the remaining units were centrifuged, deglycerolized on the ACP-215, and resuspended AS-3. RBC quality was tested at 24 ± 2 h post-deglycerolization.

All units deglycerolized on the ACP-215 had significantly lower hemolysis (p < .001) levels than those processed on the COBE2991. Large ACP-215 deglycerolized units had lower hematocrits (p < .05), hemoglobin (p < .01), and recovery (p = .001) than did large units deglycerolized on the COBE 2991. All ACP-215 units met the regulatory standards for hemolysis, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and recovery.

The closed-system ACP-215 processor significantly reduced post-deglycerolization hemolysis in all units, and hemoglobin content in large units. The ACP-215, in combination with a centrifugation step, is suitable for processing cryopreserved RCCs that have been manually glycerolized.