Separation of centrifuged whole blood and pooled buffy coats using the new CompoMat G5: 3 years experience

• Published in: Vox sanguinis Vol. 107; no. 2; pp. 140 - 147
• Main Authors: Bontekoe, I. J., van der Meer, P. F., Mast, G., de Korte, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.08.2014; S. Karger AG
• Subjects: automatic separator; Blood Buffy Coat - cytology; blood component preparation; Blood Component Transfusion; Blood platelets; Blood Platelets - cytology; Cell Separation - instrumentation; Centrifugation; Erythrocytes; Erythrocytes - cytology; Humans; Leukocytes - cytology; Plasma; Plasma - cytology; standardization; automatic separator; standardization; blood component preparation
• ISSN: 0042-9007; 1423-0410; 1423-0410
• DOI: 10.1111/vox.12140

Background and Objectives Semi‐automatic separation devices can be used for the separation of centrifuged whole blood into leucoreduced red cell concentrate (LR‐RCC), plasma and buffy coat (BC) and to make platelet concentrates (PC) from pooled BCs. To improve and to obtain a more uniform and standardized process, the CompoMat G5 (Fresenius) was implemented, a new‐generation semi‐automated device. Materials and Methods Uniform programs for WB separation and preparation of PCs were validated, using collection and pooling systems with CompoFlow (CF) closures, which can be automatically opened by the G5. Cell counts were performed and compared with historic data of blood components obtained with the formerly used Compomat G4 and Optipress II. After implementation, different adjustments were made to improve product quality. Results Leucoreduced red cell concentrates (280 ± 15 ml, 53 ± 5 g haemoglobin) and plasma (317 ± 16 ml) met European guidelines. BCs (48 ± 2 ml, 0·42 ± 0·05 l/l, 93 ± 25 × 109 platelets) contained a similar platelet (PLT) content as BC prepared before with the Compomat G4. A relatively high percentage (4–6%) of PCs (330 ± 17 ml, 330 ± 50 × 109 PLT, 0·12 ± 0·21 × 106 leucocytes) contained <250 × 109 PLT which was the subject of improvement studies. After implementation, RCC and BC discard decreased and workload was less. Operator complaints were also less frequent. Conclusion The same high‐quality blood components can be prepared by using the CompoMat G5 as previously with other semi‐automated devices. Improvement was realized by automation of the opening process by the use of collection systems with CF closures, which led to a decrease in discarded units and workload.