The in vitro evaluation of two filters (Erypur and Imugard IG 500) for white cell-poor platelet concentrates

Abstract

White cell-poor blood components are useful in patients with white cell antibodies. White cells are efficiently removed by two different filters, Imugard and Erypur, which have used saline as the filter solution. This study evaluated these filters as to their production of white cell-poor platelets. Pools of random-donor platelet concentrates were filtered. Prefiltration and postfiltration samples were evaluated for percentages of platelet recovery, white cell (WBC) removal, and platelet function. The two filter solutions tested were normal-strength saline (NSS) and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP). Postfiltration samples using NSS showed no measurable platelet aggregation with ADP, epinephrine, or collagen. However, with FFP, both filters showed 100 percent platelet aggregation with ADP, epinephrine, and collagen. The FFP filter solution provided excellent white cell removal in both filters (Imugard: 100% WBC removal or less than 1.0 X 10(6) residual WBC; Erypur: 99.5% removal or greater than 1.0 X 10(7) residual WBC); however, platelet recovery was better with Imugard (95%) than with Erypur (55%). The filtration procedure is an excellent method for the preparation of white cell-poor platelets; however, the quantity of the saline solution recommended for the filtering of red cells must be minimized for platelets.