Characterization of polypropylene membrane for plasma separation

Plasma separators of two different types constructed with polypropylene membrane were evaluated. Characterization of the membrane indicated that these separators meet the desired clinical requirements for sieving, filtration, and blood compatibility. In vitro sieving coefficients for albumin and total protein were 0.97 and 0.90, respectively. These modules showed a filtration flux dependency on blood shear rate. The ET filter (0.2 m2) had a higher shear rate for a given blood flow and also a higher flux. Based on the anticipated clinical applications at lower blood flows (less than 100 ml/min), small surface area devices having high shear rates meet clinical needs. The higher surface area module (Plasmaflux) also gave a satisfactory performance.