Quality Parameters of Platelet Concentrates Collected from Manual and Automated Blood Collection Mixer

ABSTRACT

Abstract@#Introduction: Inadequate mixing during the blood collection process might affect the quality of platelet concentrates (PCs). Currently, two different mixing methods are used during whole blood collection manual mixing and mixing using an automated blood collection mixer. However, the cost between manual and automated blood collection mixer differed largely and pose a dilemma for a blood transfusion service. The objective of this study was to evaluate PCs quality using either manual mixing or automated procedure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Thirty eligible participants aged 20 to 45 were included in this study, and a unit of 450 mL whole blood was collected from each participant. Fifteen units of whole blood were mixed by an automated blood collection mixer and the other 15 units were mixed using the manual mixing. All PCs were produced from platelet-rich plasma and stored at 20–24°C for 5 days. Quality parameters such as platelet count, leucocyte count, and pH were measured for each PCs on day 1 and day 5. Results: Platelet count on day 1 was significantly higher than on day 5 (p = 0.01) for both mixing methods. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the PCs quality parameters between the two types of mixing methods at either day 1 or day 5 of storage (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Comparable PCs quality is achieved from both manual mixing and automated procedures.