Abstract
Automated plasmapheresis using four different membrane devices (NDP-100 and 200, Nipro; APC-2000, Asahi Medical; Autopheresis-C, Baxter) was carried out on 396 healthy volunteer donors. The purpose of this study was to verify donor safety, acceptability of the procedure to donors, quality of collected plasma, and the cost efficacy of plasma collection in our blood center.
Using each device, the procedure was performed without causing any significant alteration in the donor's physical condition, or in the biochemical tests. At the same time, plasma obtained showed good protein recoveries of total protein, albumin, IgG, and factor VIII levels. Slight activation of complement was observed in obtained plasma using NDP-100, NDP-200 and APC-2000. NDP-100 and 200 required a longer procedure time and had the disadvantages of larger extracorporeal volume and difficulty in carrying the device for mobile plasma collection. APC-2000 permitted rapid collection of 450ml plasma, but this system also was not portable for mobile collection. Autopheresis-C had a few problems caused by insufficient venous flow; NDP-200 was easy to set up and portable for mobile collection, but the procedure time was longer than the other devices.
In conclusion, it is expected that a new portable device which makes possible rapid collection and easy portability for mobile plasmapheresis will be developed.
