In vitro Evaluation of a New Filter for Leucocyte Depletion of Platelet Concentrate during Component Preparation

Abstract
A newly developed filter for prestorage leucocyte depletion of platelet concentrates (PC) was studied. The filter is designed for leucocyte depletion during the preparation of the pool PC from platelet rich buffy coats. In all the leucocyte depleted PC (LD-PC) leucocyte depletion was satisfactory. 19 of 20 units of LD-PC had a leucocyte content below 3 x 10(5) per PC and 1 contained 8 x 10(5) leucocytes. The standard PC contained 2.53 x 10(8) (0.87 x 10(8)-15.3 x 10(8); n = 20) leucocytes per PC (median and range). The quality of the LD-PC was evaluated by measuring platelet activation, platelet morphology, and pre- and poststorage pH. There were no differences in any of the parameters studied.