Partial bowls using the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5: does it produce a quality product?

Controversy still exists on the validity of processing a partial bowl during the collection of shed blood lost through surgery during cell salvaging. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of red blood cells produced from a partial bowl of autologous suctioned blood using the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5. Suctioned blood was collected from 17 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A partially filled cell saver bowl was washed with 1500 mL of NaCl. Reservoir and processed blood samples were examined for potassium, leukocytes, hematocrit, platelets, and plasma-free hemoglobin and then compared with 22 previously studied full bowls. Results are summarized in the table below: In conclusion, the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5 can produce a quality product from washing a partial bowl with a better washout of white blood cells compared with a full bowl. However, there is a reduction in red blood cell recovery.