Leukocytapheresis variables and transit time for allogeneic cryopreserved hpc: better safe than sorry

Cryopreservation was recommended to ensure continuity in allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several groups have shown no impact on clinical outcomes for patients who underwent HPC transplantation with cryopreserved products during the first months of this pandemic. However, concerns about quality control attributes after cryopreservation have been raised. We investigated, in 155 allogeneic peripheral blood cryopreserved HPC, leukocytapheresis characteristics influencing viable CD34 + and CD3 + cells, and CFU-GM recoveries after thawing. Collection characteristics such as volume, nucleated cells (NC)/mL and hematocrit correlated with viable CD34 + and CD3 + cells recoveries after thawing in univariate analysis but only CD3 + cells remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis ( r2 = 0.376; P =