[Comparison of 3 types of cell separators].

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the efficiency of three commercially available cell separators with respect to thrombocyte yields. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of the different cell separator types were studied. There was no difference in the total number of platelets harvested by the different cell separators. In contrast the thrombocyte count of packages from the V 50 device was significantly lower as compared with the others (p = 0.05). We conclude that the cell separators tested are comparable with respect to the efficiency of processing platelet concentrates. However, the larger amount of plasma of the V 50 might be a disadvantage in some circumstances. The AS 104 has advantages in the handling and the duration of cell separation. In addition it offers technical improvements such as control of the ACD flow by a separate adjustable pump and a hemolysis detector.