Methods for the preparation of blood
components and
protocols for blood component production
using large-
capacity centrifuges
Introduction
Blood banks collect, process, store and distribute blood and blood products. After
collection, whole blood (WB) is separated into its main components. Red blood
cells,
plasma and platelets are used effectively for patient purposes, while white blood
cells
are depleted. Red blood cells transport oxygen to body tissues, plasma has
specific
proteins that allow proper regulation of coagulation and healing, and platelets
help the
blood clot .
A key instrument in the blood banking workflow is a centrifuge. Centrifuges
separate
whole blood into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
This note presents possible methods for the preparation of blood components and
illustrates general guidelines for the different protocols in blood component
production.
In addition, it provides a troubleshooting guide for the improvement of blood
product
yields as well as gives guidance on the correct use of centrifuge accessories and
explains the Model :DL8M-12L +6*2400ml SR and DL-6MC +6*1000ml SR
DL-5M /DL-6M+4*500ml SR
Blood processing
.
Platelet concentrates (PLTs), RBCs and plasma are prepared by a two-step
centrifugation. The two main procedures for preparing PLTs are the platelet-rich
plasma (PRP) method and the buffy- coat method [4].
Blood component preparation is performed to separate blood components from
whole blood. Red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma are produced by a single-step
hard spin centrifugation
1. Platelets from whole blood (buffy-coat method)
In European countries, platelets preparation is done by the buffycoat (BC)
method
Time Acceleration Deceleration
Model Speed Temperature
(mm:ss) Grade Grade
DL8M-12L +6*2400ml 1st Spin 3400 10:00 22 3 7
nd
2 Spin 1300 9:30 22 3 7
DL-6MC+6*1000ml st
1 Spin 3700 10:00 22 3 7
nd
2 Spin 1400 9:30 22 3 7
DL-5M/DL-6M st
1 Spin 3900 10:00 22 3 8
+4*500ml 2nd Spin 2100 9:30 22 3 9
Note: The given values are only a guideline; user should test different values to find optimized centrifuge conditions
2. Platelets from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) method
Mainly in the United States, platelets are prepared from whole blood
with the PRP method
Acceleration Deceleration
Model Speed Time Temperature
Grade Grade
DL8M-12L +6*2400ml 1st Spin 2500 6:00 22 3 7
nd
2 Spin 3800 8:00 22 3 8
DL-6MC+6*1000ml st
1 Spin 2800 7:00 22 3 7
2nd Spin 3850 8:00 22 3 8
DL-5M/DL-6M +4*500ml st
1 Spin 3000 6:00 22 3 8
nd
2 Spin 4000 10:00 22 3 9
Note: The given values are only a guideline; user should test different values to find optimized centrifuge conditions
3. Red blood cells/plasma separation
After a hard spin leukoreduced whole blood is separated into its two
main components: RBCs and plasma. Plasma is extracted into a satellite
bag while RBC is left in the primary bag.
Acceleration Deceleration
Model Speed Time Temperature
Grade Grade
DL8M-12L +6*2400ml 1st Spin 3700 10mins 22 3 8
DL-6MC+6*1000ml 1st Spin 3500 10mins 22 3 8
DL-5M/DL-6M
1st Spin 3500 15mins 22 3 9
+4*500ml
Note: The given values are only a guideline; user should test different values to find optimized centrifuge conditions
4. Troubleshooting guide to improve blood product yields.
Problem/observation 1st spin 1st spin action 2nd spin 2nd spin action
Platelet pellet appears OK Keep speed and time OK Keep speed and time as
firm, well packed as is is
Platelet concentrate OK Keep speed and time Too hard Decrease time or speed
has aggregates present
Platelet pellet appears OK as is Too Soft Increase time or speed
soft, loosely packed
Plasma and red cell OK Keep speed and time OK Keep speed and time as
volume acceptable is
Plasma volume high Too hard Decrease time or speed OK Keep speed and time as
and is
red cell volume low
Plasma volume low Too Soft Increase time or speed OK Keep speed and time as
is
Platelet yield and Ok OK Keep speed and time as
plasma volume is
acceptable
Platelet yield is low and Too hard Decrease time or speed OK Keep speed and time as
pellet appears firm is
Platelet yield is low and Too hard Decrease time or speed To Soft Increase time or speed
pellet appears soft
Platelet yield To Soft Increase time or speed OK Keep speed and time as
acceptable is
and plasma volume low
No distinct red cell and Too hard Decrease low stop rate OK Decrease low stop rate
plasma line.
‘Bloody interface
