Comparison of platelet-rich plasma collection using the haemonetics PCS and Baxter autopheresis C

. We have compared 118 platelet-rich plasma donations collected using the Autopheresis-C Platelet cellTM (Auto C) with 166 donations using the Haemonetics PCS. The median platelet yield from the Auto C was superior (2.51 vs. 1.54 × 1011) although collection times differed (60 vs./40min). There was greater variability in the platelet yield from the Auto C (0.45–5.6 VS./0.26–2.8 × 1011), but leucocyte contamination was not significantly different. After secondary processing, there was significantly less residual platelet-poor plasma (272 vs. 369 ml). Platelet function assessed during 5 days of storage was satisfactory for both, although platelet aggregation responses to collagen and adenosine diphosphate were superior in the Auto C platelets.