Quality analysis of red cell and platelet concentrates obtained by the automated ‘Top-and-Top’ blood processing system in a developing country

The efficacy of the widely practiced ‘Top and Bottom’ collection system has been established. We studied efficacy of our new ‘Top-and-Top’ automated blood component separation system with regards to quality analysis of red cell and platelet concentrates. At installation of machine 59 U of whole blood (WB) were used for its calibration and validation program. Optimum volume, leukocyte–platelet recovery and red cells loss in BC were adjusted as per recommended standards. WB showed mean volume of 510 ml and net hemoglobin content of 63 g/bag. BC recovered 91.7% and 62.7% of platelet and leukocytes, respectively, in a mean volume of 96 ml a hematocrit of 54% and mean platelet of 5.47 × 1010 were observed in red cell and platelet concentrates, respectively. In many aspects quality of our products could not comply with the recommended European and American standards and this requires a close insight into the series of activities associated with WB collection, separation and quality control program.