Comparison of Quality Parameters from Control Units Processed with Semi-Automated and Automated Processing Systems in the Colombian Blood Bank Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess blood quality parameters from control units processed in a Colombian center using a semi-automated, buffy coat method versus a fully automated method.

METHODS: In Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank (HPTUBB), between January to December 2020, the semi-automated method was used to process whole blood units. Between June 2021 to July 2022, the fully automated method was used. From these two periods, a retrospective analysis of control units from Red Cell Concentrates (RCC), Platelet Units (PU) and Plasma Concentrates (PC), processed in HPTUBB, was performed. To standardize results, only processed units with Terumo BCT quadruple bags for semi-automation and Terumo BCT Reveos bags for automation were included. In 2020, 115 control units, processed using the semi-automated method, were selected. 19 were RCC, 48 PU and 48 PC. Between June 2021 to July 2022, 181 control units, processed using the automated method, were selected. 55 were RCC, 69 PU and 57 PC. 12 different parameters from these control units were included in the analysis. From each one of them, average and standard deviation were performed.

RESULTS: RCC processed with the automated method had +16.16% higher volume levels compared to semi-automation while maintaining almost the same level of hematocrit (-0.64%). PU processed with the automated method decreased -2.42% their volume levels compared to semi-automation. However, they had +6.10% higher absolute platelet count and a -28.19% SD reduction on this parameter. PC processed with the automated method had +18.34% higher volume levels compared to semi-automation. Furthermore, they decreased the absolute platelet count by -10.49%.

CONCLUSIONS: Blood quality control units processed in HPTUBB with the automated method had better product quality parameters than the semi-automated method. The usage of automation should be the preferred option to optimize blood units and continue complying with local and international guidelines.