Granulocyte collection using a novel apheresis system eases the procedure and provides concentrates of high quality. Issue 5 (21st November 2014) - Leitner, Gerda C.
Abstract Background The latest technical innovation for granulocyte (PMN) collections is the fully automated Spectra Optia (Optia) device (TerumoBCT). In a retrospective investigation we evaluated the impact of the technical automation on the product quality in a routine working field. Study Design and Methods A total of 71 granulocyte collections (GCs) were collected from either routine random blood donors, mobilized with prednisolone (P; two females/23 males; median age, 42 years; range, 25‐63 years), or family donors (three females/12 males; median age, 29 years; range, 21‐59 years) who were mobilized with recombinant human granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (rHuG‐CSF) at a dose of 5 μg/kg body weight. All collections were performed with the Optia device. Fifty‐nine concentrates (GTX) produced with the Cobe Spectra (Cobe; TerumoBCT) served as a historical control. Results In total a mean of 452 ± 60 mL with a mean purity of 83 ± 9.6% PMNs was collected with the Optia. Compared with the Cobe collections (298 ± 52 mL), the product volumes in general as well as the absolute PMN yield in P‐mobilized products were significantly higher with the Optia: PMN count, 1.9 × 1010 ± 0.49 × 1010 versus 1.5 × 1010 ± 0.85 × 1010, respectively (p < 0.05), due to higher white blood cell (WBC) yields. rHuG‐CSF–mobilized products showed no significant differences in the absolute WBC (7.2 ± 3.0/Optia vs. 7.0 ± 2.1/Cobe) and PMN (5.9 ± 2.6/Optia vs. 5.7 ± 1.9/Cobe) yield. The PMN purity was equal in both devices (mean, 83%) although it was slightly lower in the rHuG‐CSF group (82 ± 9.2%) than in the P group (84 ± 6.2%). In none of the procedures were side effects recorded. Conclusion GC with the fully automated Optia device is safe for donors, is not inferior to its forerunner Cobe Spectra, produces GTX of a high quality, and requires less manpower than the Cobe Spectra.