Evaluation of concurrent collection of in-line filtered platelets and packed red blood cells by multicomponent apheresis with three last-generation apparatuses

Background and Objectives Multicomponent apheresis enables the collection and procession of different blood products in a single donation. Different apparatuses vary in terms of principle and efficiency. Knowledge of them is essential to analyse cost effectiveness. Materials and Methods A total of 30 donors, well matched for baseline parameters, were randomly assigned to the concurrent collection of red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets (PLTs) with the Baxter Amicus (AM), the Haemonetics MCS plus (MCS+), and the Gambro Trima Accel (TA). The procedures were prospectively evaluated, focusing on yield, time, efficiency, citrate donor load and in vitro quality. Results PLT yield (× 1011/unit; mean ± standard deviation) was 3·09 ± 0·34 (AM), 2·53 ± 0·35 (MCS+), 2·51 ± 0·32 (TA). Absolute RBC mass (ml/unit; mean ± standard deviation) was 177·4 ± 2·7 (AM), 161·5 ± 0·7 (MCS+), and 163·7 ± 5·4 (TA). The programmed RBC collection target of 160–180 ml was reached by all instruments, whereas the programmed PLT yield of 3·0 × 1011 was met satisfactorily by AM only. All units contained