(P-BB-26) Comparison of Quality Parameters from Whole Blood, Control Units Processed in a Mexican Blood Bank Center with Automated and Semi-Automated Processing Systems

Background/Case Studies: The aim of this study is to assess and compare product quality parameters from control units processed using a semi-automated method (S) during 2021 vs. the units processed using an automated method (A) during 2022. All processes were performed in a blood bank in Mexico City.

Study

Design/Methods: An analysis of Red Cell Concentrates (RCC), Plasma Concentrates (PC) and Platelet Units (PU), processed from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2022, was performed. 16 different parameters from 5914 units were included in the analysis. From them, average and standard deviation were performed. For selected ones, out-of-range assessments were included. Visual charts were developed to portray outcomes.

Results/Findings: In 2021, 910 RCC, 926 PC and 1215 PU were processed using (S). In year 2022, 881 RCC, 1071 PC and 911 PU were processed using (A). Table 1 shows parameters’ average and standard deviation from each product unit processed using either method. RCC processed with (A) had higher levels of hemoglobin. (A) increased the platelet yield in PU while reducing the standard deviation. It also increased the quantity of platelets in PC. Based on La Raza BBC out-of-range limits for selected parameters, (A) managed to decrease the quantity of most of them compared to (S): RCC: Volume (S:1.55% to A:14.12%); Leucocytes (S:5,53% to A:0,69%); Hematocrit (S:20.42% to A:3.98%); Hemoglobin (S:8.65% to A:0.89%). PC: Volume (S: 0.17% to A: 0.16%). PU: Volume (S: 2.07% to A: 0.20%); Platelet (S: 8.13% to A: 5.65%); MPV (S:35.40% to 17.60%); pH (S: 23.27% to A: 20.56).

Conclusions: Control units processed in the BBC with (A) had better standardization and product quality parameters. There was a decrease in out-of-range units regarding selected quality parameters such as Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, MPV... The usage of (A) for whole blood processing should be the preferred option to optimize product quality parameters and comply with regulations.

Importance of research: This is the first research study performed in Mexico that compares the blood quality of the end products processed in the same blood bank center, located in Mexico city, with two different processing systems (automated vs. semi-automated). Results show that automation provides a more standardized end product, with better blood quality parameters compared to semi-automation.