Granulocyte apheresis in donors: A comparative study of spectra optia and cobe spectra apheresis systems

Granulocyte transfusion (GTX) is a significant adjunctive treatment for patients with refractory infections and severe neutropenia. High-dose granulocyte concentrates are best collected by optimized mobilization and apheresis techniques. Among the most popular platforms, COBE Spectra and Spectra Optia differ in terms of technology and operational characteristics; however, comparative data from Indian settings are limited.

This retrospective study evaluated 316 granulocyte apheresis sessions conducted between 2013 and 2022 in a tertiary care centre in Kerala, India. G-CSF (450 μg) and dexamethasone (8 mg) were used to mobilize the donors. COBE Spectra (n = 112) or Spectra Optia (n = 204) were used to conduct the apheresis. Demographics, pre-procedural haematological parameters, granulocyte product characteristics, and procedural variables, such as the collection efficiency (CE), were compared.

Donor demographics were comparable between groups. COBE Spectra yielded significantly higher granulocyte counts (49.7 ± 20.6 vs. 36.2 ± 19.2 × 10⁹; p < 0.001), but required larger volumes of processed blood (9359 ± 1588 vs. 5740 ± 475 ml; p < 0.001) and greater anticoagulant usage. Spectra Optia demonstrated a greater collection efficiency (24.9 ± 14.9 % vs. 19.3 ± 6.7 %; p < 0.001), albeit with lower yields and product volumes. Spectra Optia had less contamination of RBC and platelets. Procedure duration was comparable between systems (p = 0.670).

The two systems demonstrated clinically acceptable granulocyte yields; however, the Spectra Optia had greater collection efficiency with less red cell contamination, suggesting it as a preferred choice.