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R N Pietersz

Publications and source records attributed to R N Pietersz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

An evaluation of automated blood collection mixers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated the mixing capacity of two whole blood (WB) collection mixers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: WB was simulated by using a 25% glycerol solution warmed to 35 degrees C. Citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) anticoagulant of a collection system was stained with toluidine blue, and simulated WB was added at 30, 60 or 90 ml/min, respectively (n = 3 per flow speed). The optical density (OD) of 10-ml fractions was measured, and results are expressed as percentage of a well-mixed '100%-sample'. RESULTS: CompoGuard showed adequate mixing at all three flow speeds (average ODs 96-103%). HemoLight showed good mixing at 60 and 90 ml/min (ODs from 97 to 101%). At 30 ml/min, mixing appeared suboptimal, but still conformed to our requirements with ODs from 96% to 104%. CONCLUSION: Both mixers give sufficient mixing of whole blood with anticoagulant.

Anticoagulants↗

Variation of pH-measurement in platelet concentrates.

To measure pH in platelet concentrates, blood gas analysers with different calibration principles may be used. In this study, variances observed in pH measurements with two types of blood gas analysers were investigated. pH was measured in crystalloid solutions (platelet additive solution (PAS-II), phosphate-buffered solutions) and two types of platelet concentrates (containing 100% plasma, or 65% PAS-II/35% plasma) with two blood gas analysers: either using liquid and gas calibration (AVL 945), or only liquid calibration (AVL OMNI). These measurements were compared with a reference method. Especially for PAS-II, large variation in pH was observed between AVL 945, AVL OMNI and the reference method: 6.91 +/- 0.02, 7.35 +/- 0.02 and 7.188 +/- 0.010, respectively (mean +/- SD; n = 12, P < 0.0001, paired t-test). A significant difference in pH was also found for platelet concentrates in 65% PAS/35% plasma (6.88 +/- 0.09 on AVL 945 and 7.02 +/- 0.09 on AVL OMNI, n = 134, P < 0.0001). Comparison with the reference method revealed minor differences with AVL 945, whereas AVL OMNI gave a mean difference in pH of + 0.17. Platelets in 100% plasma revealed smaller differences (6.93 +/- 0.13 for AVL 945 and 6.99 +/- 0.13 for AVL OMNI, n = 95, P < 0.0001). We conclude that different blood gas analysers can yield different pH values, especially in weak buffered solutions such as platelet concentrates in PAS-II. Validation of blood gas analysers for pH measurement of these solutions is therefore mandatory.

Blood Gas Analysis↗

Comparison of two platelet additive solutions.

The use of an additive solution for substitution of plasma for storage of leukodepleted platelet concentrates can have many advantages. In this study, a comparison was made between two platelet additive solutions: one containing citrate and acetate (PAS-II), the other also supplemented with additional salts such as magnesium, and with gluconate (Composol-PS). Donor-dependent differences were avoided by applying a paired experimental design (n = 10). The platelet concentrates were prepared by pooling five buffy coats and the additive solution, and prestorage filtration was utilized to remove leucocytes to well below 1 x 106. Storage of platelet concentrates up to 9 days after blood collection revealed that platelet concentrates in Composol-PS maintained an almost constant pH of on average 6.93 from day 2 through day 7, and at 6.90 at day 9. This was in contrast to PAS-II, which showed a gradually decreasing pH from on average 6.97 at day 1 to 6.86 at day 9. In all units stored in both solutions the swirling effect was present during 9 days of storage. In conclusion, both additive solutions allow storage of platelets, derived from pooled buffy coats, for up to 9 days after collection of the whole blood, with maintenance of good quality in vitro. Composol-PS has a slightly better buffering capacity, reflected as a more constant pH throughout the storage period.

Acetates↗

Influence of temperature, filter wettability, and timing of filtration on the removal of WBCs from RBC concentrates.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of the removal of WBCs from buffy coat-reduced RBC concentrates by filtration is determined by many variables. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the filtration temperature, the wettability of the filter material, and the timing of the filtration after collection. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The investigation used commercially available filters: 3 dry "online" filters (Cellselect FR, Fresenius Hemocare; BioR-01-max, Fresenius; Leucoflex LCG1, MacoPharma) and one wet "inline" filter (Leucoflex LCR4, MacoPharma) that contained saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol additive solution for RBCs and differed from the online version only in wettability. After buffy coat removal and suspension in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol, filtrations were performed immediately at room temperature (RT) and after 2 hours' storage of the RBC concentrates at 4 degrees C, while the Leucoflex LCR4 was also tested after 24 hours' storage of the RBC concentrates at 4 degrees C. Sets of 12 pooled experiments were performed to prevent donor-dependent differences. RESULTS: The Cellselect FR gave significantly better WBC removal from RBC concentrates at 4 degrees C than at RT, with residual WBCs of 1.44 +/- 0.58 x 10(6) and 2.78 +/- 1.23 x 10(6), respectively (p<0.001). The BioR-01-max gave no significant difference: 0.62 +/- 0.27 x 10(6) WBCs (at 4 degrees C) versus 0.61 +/- 0.25 x 10(6) WBCs (at RT). Filtration with the Leucoflex LCG1 resulted in 0.06 +/- 0.03 x 10(6) and 0.07 +/- 0.07 x 10(6) WBCs at 4 degrees C and RT, respectively, which is not a significant difference. The Leucoflex LCR4, however, gave 2.08 +/- 0.84 x 10(6) WBCs at RT, 0.52 +/- 0.44 x 10(6) WBCs at 4 degrees C after 2 hours' cooling, and 0.05 +/- 0.10 x 10(6) WBCs at 4 degrees C after 24 hours' cooling (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Temperature, filter wettability, and timing of filtration after collection influence the efficacy of a filter for RBC concentrates. These variables need to be established, validated, and controlled before a filter can be selected for routine use.

Blood Component Removal↗

WBC-reduced platelet concentrates from pooled buffy coats in additive solution: an evaluation of in vitro and in vivo measures.

BACKGROUND: The use of a platelet additive solution (PAS-II, Baxter) may have benefits over plasma for storage of platelets. It was the aim of this study to develop a method to produce WBC-reduced platelet concentrates (PCs) in PAS-II with >240 x 10(9) platelets and <1 x 10(6) WBCs per unit, which can be stored for 5 days at pH >6.8 and that will give sufficient platelet increments after transfusion: a 1-hour CCI of >7.5 and a 20-hour CCI of >2.5. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PCs were made from five pooled buffy coats and 250 g of PAS-II. After centrifugation the PCs were WBC-reduced with a filter (Autostop BC, Pall Biomedical) and stored in a 1000-mL polyolefin container. CCIs were assessed in stable hemato-oncologic patients after 5-day old PCs were transfused. RESULTS: Routinely produced PCs contained a median of 310 x 10(9) platelets (n = 5,363) with 3.5 percent containing <240 x 10(9) platelets, in a median volume of 320 mL (n = 11,834). The median number of WBCs was <0.03 x 10(6) (n = 694). The WBC count exceeded 1 x 10(6) in three PCs, but it was always <5 x 10(6), giving 99-percent confidence that more than 99.5 percent of the units will contain <1 x 10(6) WBCs. The pH remained >6.8 on Day 8, provided the concentration was below 1.1 x 10(9) platelets per mL (n = 32). After 28 transfusions in 28 patients, the 1-hour CCI was 12.6 +/- 4.3 (mean +/- SD, with 2/28 CCIs <7.5) and the 20-hour CCI was 8.9 +/- 5.6 (with 4/28 CCIs <2.5). Limitations of this study include the absence of a control group of patients receiving platelets stored in plasma and of in vivo radiolabeled survival studies, but a comparison of these data with previously published data suggested that the in vivo survival of platelets stored in PAS-II is less than that of platelets stored in plasma. CONCLUSION: The WBC-reduced PCs conformed to specifications. These WBC-reduced PCs could be stored at least 5 days with maintenance of pH, and they gave sufficient increments after transfusion to patients.

Adenine↗

Compodock, a new device for sterile docking.

BACKGROUND: A new device for sterile docking, the Compodock (Fresenius NPBI Transfusion Technology), was developed for connecting PVC tubing for medical use while maintaining sterility. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sterility of the connections was assessed by welding tubing with a heavy exterior contamination with Bacillus subtilis spores and also by welding in an environment contaminated with aerosols of B. subtilis. Tubing was either dry or liquid-filled ("wet") and had various diameters. Bacterial culture medium was flushed through the welded area and subsequently cultured. Tensile strength was measured, and, under semi-routine conditions, Compodock was tested for user friendliness and speed. RESULTS: None of the cultures of welded tubing with exterior contamination showed growth, neither the dry-dry (n = 434) nor the wet-wet connections (n = 622). Cultures were also negative for welds made in the contaminated environment (dry-dry, 67; wet-wet, 55). Tensile strength complied fully with ISO 3826 standards (that is, a force of 20 newtons [N] for 15 sec), with a mean maximal strength ranging from 73 to 100 N, depending on diameter and content of the tubing. The semi-routine handling was regarded as good: welds were easily opened; there were clear instructions and error warnings; and the processing time averaged 52 seconds. CONCLUSION: The Compodock is able to maintain a functionally closed system, with maintenance of sterility, despite heavy exterior bacterial contamination; tensile strength conformed to ISO standards. Compodock is suitable for routine implementation in the blood bank.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Leukoreduction of platelet concentrates using a 'polishing' filter.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Filters for removal of leukocytes from platelet concentrates (PCs) usually have a large volume to guarantee sufficient leukoreduction. In this study, a small filter, with a volume of only 8 ml and therefore minimal platelet loss, for leukoreduction of PCs was investigated. This filter has a 'limited' leukoreducing capacity, hence the filter is called a 'polishing' filter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCs were made from 5 pooled buffy coats in either plasma or additive solution (PAS-II). After centrifugation, the platelet-rich supernatant was expressed on an automated separator (Compomat G4) to an empty transfer bag. The content of this transfer bag was filtered into the platelet storage bag, either by expression by lowering the top press of the Compomat G4, or by gravity by hanging it on a filtration rack. RESULTS: Leukocyte counts before and after filtration revealed a mean leukoreducing capacity for the filter of 2.67 log(10) and a platelet loss of only 2% for PCs in PAS-II (n = 50), and for PCs in plasma a 3.43 log(10) leukoreduction with 3% platelet loss (n = 30). Expression of the PCs both in plasma and PAS-II through the filter using the Compomat G4 resulted in 10/10 units containing <5x10(6) leukocytes, but 1/10 PCs contained >1x10(6) leukocytes for both solutions. Filtration by gravity resultet in 40/40 units with <1x10(6) leukocytes for PCs in plasma, and 60/60 units with <1x10(6) for PCs in PAS-II. CONCLUSION: The 'polishing' filter allows reliable, standardized and automated production of PCs, both in plasma and additive solution with minimal platelet loss, and containing uniformly <1x10(6) leukocytes, provided the filtration procedure is performed by gravity.

Filtration↗

Six filters for the removal of white cells from red cell concentrates, evaluated at 4 degrees C and/or at room temperature.

BACKGROUND: Six filters were tested for their ability to remove white cells from buffy coat-depleted red cell concentrates at various temperatures. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cellselect FR, BPF4, and Sepacell filters were tested at both room temperature (RT) and 4 degrees C. The Leucoflex filter was tested only at 4 degrees C, while the Cellselect Optima Plus and Imugard filters were tested only at RT. Donor-dependent differences were excluded by pooling and subsequently dividing 9 red cell concentrates; 12 sets of experiments were performed. RESULTS: With all filters, red cell concentrates containing <5 x 10(6) white cells per unit were obtained. The lowest numbers of residual white cells were achieved with the Leucoflex (at 4 degrees C, 0.15 +/- 0.11 x 10(6), the Sepacell (at 4 degrees C, 0.23 +/- 0.14 x 10(6), the Imugard (at RT, 0.24 +/- 0.14 x 10(6), and the BPF4 (at 4 degrees C, 0.25 +/- 0.24 x 10(6); differences not significant). With the Cellselect FR, filtration at 4 degrees C resulted in 0.86 +/- 0.37 x 10(6) white cells per unit, a level not significantly different from that obtained with the BPF4 and Sepacell filters at RT (1.16 +/- 0.43 x 10(6) and 0.80 +/- 0.36 x 10(6) white cells, respectively). Filtration at RT with the Cellselect FR and Cellselect Optima Plus resulted in red cell concentrates with 1.79 +/- 0.69 x 10(6) and 2.29 +/- 0.69 x 10(6) white cells, respectively (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: All filters conformed to the current standards for white cell reduction; the process was less efficient at RT than at 4 degrees C. For routine application, the composition of the red cell concentrate, the temperature, and logistic preferences should be taken into account in the final choice of filter; before implementation, the chosen filter must be validated under routine conditions.

Blood Cell Count↗

Preparation of leukodepleted platelet concentrates from pooled buffy coats: prestorage filtration with Autostop BC.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Our requirements for leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates (LD-PC) for an adult patient are: platelets >240x10(9), leukocytes <5x10(6), volume of 150-400 ml; and at the end of storage a pH between 6.8 and 7.4 and presence of the swirling effect. Our aim was to develop a standardized, semiautomated method for the production of LD-PC, by pooling of buffy coats (BC), and prestorage leukoreduction by filtration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole blood was collected in Top and Bottom systems, and separated automatically with the Compomattrade mark G3 equipment into a red cell concentrate, a plasma and a BC. Subsequently, a pool of 5 BC was made, and 200 g plasma from one of the donors was added. Then, after soft spin centrifugation, the platelet rich plasma was leukocyte depleted by filtration using the Autostoptrade markBC filter, and stored in a 1,000 ml polyolefin platelet storage bag. RESULTS: BC (n = 60) had a volume of 51+/-2 ml (mean +/- SD) with a hematocrit of 0.44+/-0.03 l/l and contained 80+/-5% of the platelets and 74+/-12% of the leukocytes of the whole blood. Routinely prepared LD-PC (n = 15,037) contained a median of 341x10(9) platelets (range 49-599x10(9)), with only 104/15,037 (0.7%) containing fewer than 240x10(9) platelets; the median volume was 263 ml (range 134-373 ml). In 118/917 (13%) LD-PC leukocytes were observed in the Nageotte hemocytometer, but only twice exceeding 1x10(6) leukocytes per unit, and none exceeding 5x10(6) (median <0. 6x10(6); range <0.6-1.41x10(6)). Storage experiments of the LD-PC (n = 12) revealed adequate oxygenation and maintenance of pH and swirling effect up to 9 days. CONCLUSIONS: This method warrants with 99% confidence that LD-PC contain more than 240x10(9) platelets; with 97.5% confidence that 100% of the LD-PC contain <5x10(6) leukocytes, and with 95% confidence that more than 99% of the LD-PC contain fewer than 1x10(6) leukocytes; these LD-PC can be stored satisfactorily for up to 9 days.

Automation↗

Collection of heparinized plasma by plasmapheresis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Heparinized plasma can be used for exchange transfusions in neonates and is usually collected by drawing whole blood using heparin as anticoagulant. The heparinized red blood cells and buffy coat cannot be used and are therefore discarded. To collect heparinized plasma more efficiently, a method was developed using an apheresis machine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With an MCS3p apheresis machine (Haemonetics), plasma was collected from volunteer donors as anticoagulant, heparin in saline (30,000 IU/l) was added in a 1:9 ratio. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of the donors was measured before and immediately after the procedure, and various parameters were determined in the collected plasma. RESULTS: In 2 collection cycles, an average of 456+/-52 ml (mean +/- SD; n = 20) of heparinized plasma was collected, and 504+/-57 ml (n = 2; donors with a high hemoglobin level) when 3 cycles were performed. The leukocyte and platelet contamination in the plasma (n = 22) was 1.11+/-0.92x10(6) and 0. 05+/-0.22x10(9) per unit, respectively, which conformed to national specifications. Sodium levels were normal, but due to dilution of the plasma with heparin solution, potassium and calcium levels were about 20% lower than the serum levels in the donors. The donor APTT values were slightly longer after the procedure than before, but remained all within normal values. CONCLUSION: For the collection of heparinized plasma, apheresis has the advantage that (1) high-quality heparinized plasma can be harvested; (2) no blood components need to be discarded; (3) more plasma can be harvested with each donation, and (4) these procedures can be performed more often than whole blood donations.

Adult↗

Update on leucocyte depletion of blood components by filtration.

It has long been recognized that allogenic leucocytes from donor blood are responsible for serious untoward effects in some transfused patients such as alloimmunization, febrile reactions, platelet refractoriness, transfusion associated acute lung injury, immunosuppression as well as transmission or reactivation of viruses such as CMV, HTLV or EBV. Leucocytes are also known to accelerate the rate of storage lesion. The optimal method to remove leucocytes from blood components has been shown to be filtration. However, many variables exist in the properties of leuco-depletion filters (material, composition, surface charge, mechanisms of leucocyte entrapment), the blood components to be filtered (composition, age), and the filtration method (pre- or post-storage, priming and rinsing, temperature, flow rate). In this paper principles of filtration and subsequent logistic consequences will be discussed. It is recommended to carefully select a filter for a specific blood component and to perform leuco-depletion procedures under controlled conditions according to validated methods meeting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Blood Component Transfusion↗

In vitro evaluation of platelet concentrates, prepared from pooled buffy coats, stored for 8 days after filtration.

BACKGROUND: Posttransfusion complications can be prevented by pretransfusion removal of donor white cells from platelet concentrate. The filtration used for this removal seems to have little effect on platelet function and activation, but more information is needed on its effect on function during subsequent long-term storage of concentrate. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effect of prestorage filtration of buffy coat-prepared platelet concentrates (PCs) on platelet function, metabolism, and activation was investigated. A pool of three PCs, each made of four buffy coats, was split into three equal volumes; two were filtered over two different filters and the third served as a control. Variables monitored immediately after filtration and during the subsequent 8-day storage period at 22 degrees C included aggregation upon stimulation with collagen and/or ADP, platelet adhesion capacity to collagen and fibrinogen in flowing blood, nucleotide content of and nucleobase release by the platelets, expression of activation-dependent antigens, and beta-thromboglobulin release by the platelets. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the PCs filtered over two different filters and the nonfiltered control PCs immediately after filtration and during storage, except for a selective removal (20%) of beta-thromboglobulin by one filter. CONCLUSION: PCs prepared from a pool of four buffy coats can be filtered and subsequently stored for 8 days (starting +/- 24 hours after whole blood collection) without detriment to platelet function, metabolism, or activation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effect of filtration on subsequently stored platelet concentrates.

The effect of filtration on the quality of platelet concentrates (PC) during storage was investigated. Two leukocyte depletion filters (Pall PL50HF and Sepacell PL-10A) were applied to filter PC made from a pool of 4 buffy coats. For each experiment 3 PC were pooled and divided into 3 identical PC to eliminate differences between the PC. Two PC were filtered, and the third PC served as an unfiltered control. A total of 12 experiments was performed. Before filtration, volumes of the PC were 263 +/- 11.7 ml (mean +/- SD). Platelet and leukocyte counts per PC were 241 +/- 25.9 x 10(9) and 7.2 +/- 1.8 x 10(6), respectively. After filtration leukocyte counts did not exceed 5 x 10(4) in any of the PC. In the PC filtered with the Pall PL50HF the mean platelet loss was approximately 14% and with the Sepacell PL-10A, 17%. During a 9-day storage period the pH, PO2, PCO2, bicarbonate, lactate and glucose concentration and LDH release as well as the morphology, examined by the swirling effect and microscopically, were not significantly different in filtered and unfiltered units. Filtration through the 2 investigated leukocyte depletion filters for PC did not adversely affect in vitro viability of the platelets during storage.

Bicarbonates↗