Performance of a new‐generation continuous autotransfusion device including fat removal and consequences for quality controls

SUMMARY Background and objectives Cell salvage plays a key role in blood conservation. To maintain high performance, quality management is recommended. Accordingly, a new‐generation autotransfusion device was tested for its performance and compared with its predecessor. Two different calculations of quality parameters were applied. Materials and methods In an experimental study, the continuous autotransfusion devices CATSmart and Continuous Autotransfusion System (C.A.T.S) plus were tested using banked blood adjusted to a haematocrit of 20% and anticoagulated with heparin 5 U/L. Test blood was processed using an emergency programme, a high‐quality programme/smart wash programme and a low‐volume wash programme. Samples were taken after the production of 200 mL of red blood cells (RBC) and after the final emptying of the separation chamber. In an additional set of tests, blood containing 1·25% fat was processed with both devices to examine fat removal. Results Both devices demonstrated an equally high performance with regards to product hematocrit (Hct); RBC recovery; and elimination rates of protein, heparin and fat. The high fat elimination rate (>99·8%) reported for C.A.T.S plus was confirmed for CATSmart, regardless of the used programme. Samples taken during the ongoing process show a higher haematocrit and RBC recovery rate than samples taken after the final emptying of the separation chamber. Interface sensors were not affected by fat in the blood. Conclusions The new‐generation autotransfusion device CATSmart is not inferior to its predecessor and shows high performance with regards to RBC recovery, plasma and fat elimination in all programme modes. Samples for quality controls should be taken during blood processing.