Non-centrifugal plasma collection using cross-flow membrane plasmapheresis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure to remove plasma from blood.
• Current systems require optimization for efficiency and donor safety.
• Membrane-based systems offer potential advantages in blood component separation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a prototype cross-flow membrane plasmapheresis system.
• To assess the impact of the procedure on donor hematological and biochemical parameters.
• To investigate potential complement system activation during plasmapheresis.

Main Methods:

• A prototype cross-flow membrane plasmapheresis system was utilized.
• Plasma harvesting efficiency was measured (volume and time).
• Donor blood parameters (hematological, coagulation, biochemical) were analyzed pre- and post-procedure.
• Complement pathway activation was assessed via functional hemolytic titers and complement component levels (C3, C4, Factor B).

Main Results:

• The system successfully harvested 550 ml of plasma in under 1 hour.
• No significant alterations were observed in donor hematological, coagulation, or biochemical values.
• No conclusive evidence of complement activation by the polysulfone filtration membrane was detected.

Conclusions:

• The prototype cross-flow membrane plasmapheresis system demonstrates safety and efficacy in normal donors.
• The procedure is well-tolerated, with no significant adverse physiological effects.
• The system does not appear to activate the classical or alternate complement pathways.