Background: The aim of this study was to provide data on concurrent red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) apheresis with RBC in-line leukoreduction and automated addition of saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM) using the new version (V6.0) of Trima Accel®.
Methods: In this two-center paired study, each subject completed a test and a control procedure with an interval of 9 weeks between procedures. In the test arm, single RBC and PLT units were collected on the Trima Accel V6.0 (in-line leukofiltration and automated addition of SAGM). In the control arm, they were collected on Trima Accel V5.1/V5.2 (post-collection leukoreduction, manual SAGM addition). RBC percent hemolysis, potassium concentration and adenosine triphosphate over storage, hemoglobin (Hb) yield, and residual white blood cells (WBC) were determined.
Results: 34 subjects successfully completed both test and control procedures. Post-storage hemolysis was similar in both groups, and all values were less than 0.8% for both arms. Residual WBC counts in all RBC units were less than 1 × 10(6)/unit. In-line processed RBC units (V6.0) have a significantly higher volume and more Hb/unit due to filtration recovery improvements. All procedures were well tolerated by the subjects.
Conclusion: In-line filtration and automated addition of storage solution on Trima Accel V6.0 allows collection of ready-to-use RBC units that meet EU requirements.
Keywords: Apheresis; Blood storage; In-line filtration; Leukoreduction; Multicomponent collection; Red blood cell.