BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare two apheresis devices (COBE Trima and COBE Spectra, Gambro BCT). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study compares 103 Trima procedures with 61 Spectra procedures. The comparison of single-donor PLTs (SDPs) separation parameters and anticoagulant infusion to the donors were the primary targets. Yield and residual amounts of WBCs of SDPs were secondary targets. Residual amounts of WBCs were measured with the Nageotte method. RESULTS: Trima and Spectra groups were comparable before apheresis. Two procedures were terminated before completion in the Trima group owing to vein damage. Trima infused more anticoagulant--352 +/- 104 mL versus 297 +/- 75 mL (p < 0.01)--and was quicker than Spectra. The time to obtain 3.5 x 10(11) was (median) 55.8 minutes for the Trima machine and 80.3 minutes for Spectra machine (p < 0.001). Regarding leukoreduction, all the SDPs had fewer than 1 x 10(6) WBCs per unit except for one in product obtained by the Trima machine. CONCLUSIONS: The Trima machine is faster and more efficient than the Spectra machine, and both machines allow standard leukoreduced SDPs to be obtained. Although donors receive a higher anticoagulant infusion with the Trima machine, their tolerance is acceptable.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare two apheresis devices (COBE Trima and COBE Spectra, Gambro BCT). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study compares 103 Trima procedures with 61 Spectra procedures. The comparison of single-donor PLTs (SDPs) separation parameters and anticoagulant infusion to the donors were the primary targets. Yield and residual amounts of WBCs of SDPs were secondary targets. Residual amounts of WBCs were measured with the Nageotte method. RESULTS:Trima and Spectra groups were comparable before apheresis. Two procedures were terminated before completion in the Trima group owing to vein damage. Trima infused more anticoagulant--352 +/- 104 mL versus 297 +/- 75 mL (p < 0.01)--and was quicker than Spectra. The time to obtain 3.5 x 10(11) was (median) 55.8 minutes for the Trima machine and 80.3 minutes for Spectra machine (p < 0.001). Regarding leukoreduction, all the SDPs had fewer than 1 x 10(6) WBCs per unit except for one in product obtained by the Trima machine. CONCLUSIONS: The Trima machine is faster and more efficient than the Spectra machine, and both machines allow standard leukoreduced SDPs to be obtained. Although donors receive a higher anticoagulant infusion with the Trima machine, their tolerance is acceptable.