Closed system processing variables affect post-thaw quality characteristics of cryopreserved red cell concentrates.

Background: Differences in manufacturing conditions using the Haemonetics ACP 215 cell processor result in cryopreserved red cell concentrates (RCCs) of varying quality. This work studied the effect of processing method, additive solution, and storage duration on RCC quality to identify an optimal protocol for the manufacture of cryopreserved RCCs.

Materials And Methods: RCCs were pooled-and-split and stored for 7, 14, or 21 days before cryopreservation.

The timing of gamma irradiation and its effect on cell-free and microvesicle-bound hemoglobin. The BEST collaborative study.

Background: Gamma irradiation of red cell concentrates (RCCs) is regularly used to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GvHD) in at-risk patients. While studies have indicated that irradiated RCCs exhibit increased hemolysis, there have been no efforts to differentiate between free- and microvesicle (MV)-bound hemoglobin (Hb). As an increase in the proportion of free-Hb in irradiated RCCs could alter vascular function, we sought to characterize differences in the state of extracellular Hb based on the timing of irradiation.

From Development to Implementation: Adjusting the Hematocrit of Deglycerolized Red Cell Concentrates to Meet Regulatory Standards.

Background: Before transfusion, thawed frozen red cell concentrates (RCCs) must be deglycerolized. In order to ensure that these products meet regulatory standards for hematocrit, an approach to manipulate hematocrit post deglycerolization was developed and implemented.

Methods: Glycerolized and frozen RCCs were thawed and deglycerolized using the COBE 2991 cell processor, and the final product's hematocrit was adjusted by addition of various volumes of 0.

Introduction of a closed-system cell processor for red blood cell washing: postimplementation monitoring of safety and efficacy.

Background: After introduction of a closed-system cell processor, the effect of this product change on safety, efficacy, and utilization of washed red blood cells (RBCs) was assessed.

Study Design And Methods: This study was a pre-/postimplementation observational study. Efficacy data were collected from sequentially transfused washed RBCs received as prophylactic therapy by β-thalassemia patients during a 3-month period before and after implementation of the Haemonetics ACP 215 closed-system processor.

Quality of red blood cells washed using a second wash sequence on an automated cell processor.

Background: Washed red blood cells (RBCs) are indicated for immunoglobulin (Ig)A-deficient recipients when RBCs from IgA-deficient donors are not available. Canadian Blood Services recently began using the automated ACP 215 cell processor (Haemonetics Corporation) for RBC washing, and its suitability to produce IgA-deficient RBCs was investigated.

Study Design And Methods: RBCs produced from whole blood donations by the buffy coat (BC) and whole blood filtration (WBF) methods were washed using the ACP 215 or the COBE 2991 cell processors and IgA and total protein levels were assessed.

A quality monitoring program for red blood cell components: in vitro quality indicators before and after implementation of semiautomated processing.

Background: Canadian Blood Services has been conducting quality monitoring of red blood cell (RBC) components since 2005, a period spanning the implementation of semiautomated component production. The aim was to compare the quality of RBC components produced before and after this production method change.

Study Design And Methods: Data from 572 RBC units were analyzed, categorized by production method: Method 1, RBC units produced by manual production methods; Method 2, RBC units produced by semiautomated production and the buffy coat method; and Method 3, RBC units produced by semiautomated production and the whole blood filtration method.

Coinfusion of dextrose-containing fluids and red blood cells does not adversely affect in vitro red blood cell quality.

Background: Transfusion guidelines advise against coinfusing red blood cells (RBCs) with solutions other than 0.9% saline. We evaluated the impact of coinfusion with dextrose-containing fluids (DW) on markers of RBC quality.

Feasibility and transport of packed red blood cells into Special Forces operational conditions.

Background: Transfusing packed red blood cells (PRBCs) into Special Forces may provide a survival advantage from hemorrhage-induced battlefield injuries; however, the effect of the unique operational stressors on RBC integrity is not known.

Methods: Pooled PRBCs (20 U) (7 days old), stored in Golden Hour containers, were exposed to the following simulated operational stressors: High-Altitude Low-Opening parachute descent from 30,000 ft, followed by a simulated soldier presence patrol in a climatic chamber set to 48 °C and 9% humidity for 12 hours (test). Biochemical (pH, lactate, potassium, and adenosine triphosphate) and biomechanical (percent hemolysis, deformability, and morphology) were measured to determine the integrity of PRBCs.

Quality of red blood cells washed using an automated cell processor with and without irradiation.

Background: Sterile washing of red blood cells (RBCs) and use of an additive solution permits longer postwash storage. The effect of irradiation during this extended storage time is unclear.

Study Design And Methods: RBCs were washed 14 days after collection using an automated cell processor and stored in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol.

Process improvement by eliminating mixing of whole blood units after an overnight hold prior to component production using the buffy coat method.

The elimination of a thorough manual mixing of whole blood (WB) which takes place following the overnight hold, but before the first centrifugation step, during buffy coat component production at Canadian Blood Services (CBS) was investigated. WB was pooled after donation and split. Pairs of platelet, red blood cell (RBC), and plasma components were produced, with half using the standard method and half using a method in which the mixing step was eliminated.

Segments from red blood cell units should not be used for quality testing.

Background: Nondestructive testing of blood components could permit in-process quality control and reduce discards. Tubing segments, generated during red blood cell (RBC) component production, were tested to determine their suitability as a sample source for quality testing.

Study Design And Methods: Leukoreduced RBC components were produced from whole blood (WB) by two different methods: WB filtration and buffy coat (BC).

Quality of red blood cells washed using the ACP 215 cell processor: assessment of optimal pre- and postwash storage times and conditions.

Background: Washing of red blood cell concentrates (RCCs) is required for potassium-sensitive transfusion recipients, including neonates in need of large-volume transfusions. When open, nonsterile washing systems are used, postwash outdate time is limited to 24 hours, often leading to problems providing the component to the patient before expiry.

Study Design And Methods: A closed, automated cell processor, the ACP 215 from Haemonetics Corporation, was used to wash RCCs and determine optimal pre- and postwash storage times.

Evaluating the 4-hour and 30-minute rules: effects of room temperature exposure on red blood cell quality and bacterial growth.

Background: A 30-minute rule was established to limit red blood cell (RBC) exposure to uncontrolled temperatures during storage and transportation. Also, RBC units issued for transfusion should not remain at room temperature (RT) for more than 4 hours (4-hour rule). This study was aimed at determining if single or multiple RT exposures affect RBC quality and/or promote bacterial growth.