Background/Case Studies: The rising demand for platelets due to chronic and oncological diseases drives the need for hemotherapy advancements. A unique device in Brazil introduces an innovative intermittent flow system for platelet collection, using elutriation to optimize collection, minimize post-donation leukopenia, and reduce adverse reactions with Intersol platelet additive solution. Unlike devices with a Leukoreduction System (LRS) chamber, which reduce donor leukocytes by 15-20%, elutriation returns retained leukocytes, reducing leukopenia in repeat donors. Additional benefits include saline priming with reduced ACD-A anticoagulant, lowering paresthesia, automatic control of collection flow to prevent venous complications, shorter collection times, and a disinfection timer for safe punctures. A national validation was conducted in four Brazilian hemotherapy services to ensure double platelet concentrate collection met national quality standards while reducing donor leukocyte loss.
Study
Design/Methods: total of 202 platelet apheresis collections were performed using Amicore in PAS mode. Donors were selected per Brazilian legislation, all being voluntary and frequent donors who signed informed consent. Pre-selection criteria included a platelet count above 200,000/µL and a body surface area over 1.7 m² to ensure the collection of at least 6 × 10¹¹ platelets per concentrate.
Blood samples were taken before and after donation for leukocyte count analysis . The collection protocol aimed for a platelet yield of ≥6 × 10¹¹ platelets while keeping total procedure time under 120 minutes. Intersol (65%) and autologous plasma (35%) were used as a preservative solution Platelet samples were analyzed on day 5 of storage under continuous agitation at 20–24°C. Equipment efficiency was calculated as Platelet yield obtained / Total platelets processed × 100.
Results/Findings: Among the 202 collections performed:The average donor body surface area was 2 m².The mean collection time, including reinfusion, was 90 minutes, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 88 to 98 minutes.For frequent donors, the average leukocyte count reduction was 4%, with a 95% CI ranging from 2% to 5% post-donation.The platelet concentrates had an average count of 6.3 × 10¹¹ platelets per unit, with a 95% CI ranging from 6.2 to 6.4 × 10¹¹ platelets per unit.The average equipment efficiency was 71%, with a 95% CI ranging from 70% to 73%.
Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the use of intermittent flow equipment with elutriation methodology is an efficient and safe alternative for double platelet collection in Brazil. The national validation indicated high platelet yield, optimized collection and reinfusion times, and a more comfortable and safer process for donors. The reduction in leukocyte loss compared to conventional methods reinforces the benefits of this new system, making it a promising option for hemotherapy services.
