In vitro assessment of charcoal and resin hemoadsorbents

An in vitro assessment has been made of the blood compatibility and efficiency of different charcoal and resin hemoadsorbents. The charcoals vary in source, shape, size, nature and amount of polymer coating. The resins are the macroreticular adsorbents XAD-4 and Y56 and a carbonized resin. The effect on Y56 of albumin coating has been studied. The assessment has demonstrated that a reduction in platelet drop is accompanied by a decrease in the adsorption of fibrinogen. The results confirm the potential advantages of spherical charcoal and that coating with an ultrathin layer of polymer or with albumin does not seriously reduce efficiency. For Y56 resin, treatment with an albumin solution of 1-2 g/100 ml appears to be a suitable procedure if clinical use is considered.