Abstract
Introduction: Bacterial culturing of apheresis platelet (PLT) units appeared to increase the incidence of low yield products of <3.0 Γ 10^11^ PLT (LYP) and decrease the incidence of multiple PLT products. To determine the effects of sampling and subsequent modifications in collections on PLT yield and adverse reactions, a retrospective analysis was performed. Methods: Four time periods were examined: baseline, after sampling implementation, after concentration change (Conc. Ξ) implementation, and after concentration and yield target change (Target + Conc. Ξ) implementation. Collections were performed on the Gambro Trima Accel. PLT concentration settings were changed from 1,550 to 1,200 (single and double PLT products) or 1,610 to 1,500 (triple PLT products). A 3.2 Γ 10^11^ target was eliminated and a 9.4 Γ 10^11^ target added. Results: Donors in all groups were comparable. Average incidence of LYP per week was significantly higher for Sampling (8.1%) than Baseline (2.0%) and declined significantly in the Conc. Ξ (3.4%) and Target + Conc. Ξ (2.0%) groups. Average PLT products/donor per week for Sampling (1.7) was significantly lower than Baseline (1.8), equivalent to Conc. Ξ (1.7), and significantly lower than Target + Conc. Ξ (1.9). Average weekly incidence of triple PLT products was significantly higher for Target + Conc. Ξ (17%) compared with Baseline (12.4%), Sampling (10.7%), and Conc. Ξ (10.8%). Donor reaction incidence was not significantly different among the groups. There was no change in recipient reactions. Conclusions: The use of a yield target change and PLT concentration reduction compensated for changes associated with bacterial culturing without increasing donor or recipient reactions. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. Β© 2008 WileyβLiss, Inc.