[Automated blood component collection with the MCS 3p]

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Blood Component Collection
• Apheresis Technology

Background:

• Automated blood component collection systems are crucial for optimizing blood product yields.
• Evaluating new protocols is essential for improving efficiency and product quality in apheresis.
• The MCS 3p cell separator offers potential for advanced blood component collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate two novel protocols for the Haemonetics MCS 3p cell separator for automated blood component collection.
• To assess the technical feasibility, product quality, and biochemical integrity of collected blood components.

Main Methods:

• Two protocols, D-RBCP and RBCP-F, were used for automated collection of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and Red Blood Cells (RBCs).
• The RBCP-F protocol incorporated in-line filtration of RBCs in a closed system.
• Biochemical parameters and cell counts of RBCs were analyzed over 49 days; FFP and RBC components were assessed post-collection.

Main Results:

• Both protocols demonstrated successful erythroplasmapheresis without technical issues or adverse reactions.
• Biochemical parameters of RBCs, including hemoglobin, 2,3-DPG, ATP, and LDH, remained stable and comparable or superior to standard preparations up to 49 days.
• Leukocyte and platelet counts in RBCs and FFP (D-RBCP) met German guidelines, although FFP platelet counts exceeded standard values in the RBCP-F protocol.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated protocols are technically sound for automated blood component collection, yielding high-quality RBCs.
• While leukocyte reduction in RBCs was adequate, FFP platelet levels require further optimization.
• Extracorporeal volumes were noted as potentially large and may require donor-specific adjustments.