ELASTASE LEVELS IN SALVAGED BLOOD AND THE EFFECT OF CELL WASHING

Blood was salvaged from the operating field of 16 orthopaedic and vascular operations and processed by the Shiley Dideco cell saver for retransfusion. Plasma elastase levels in the salvaged blood were used as a marker of white cell lysosomal granule release. The plasma level of this enzyme was measured by the technique described by Dreher et al. using the immuno-activation (IMAC™) system (Merck-Darmstadt, Federal Republic of Germany).1 The levels of the enzyme rose dramatically in the salvaged blood and were reduced to preoperative levels after washing in the cell saver. Washing of the salvaged blood before retransfusion is effective in reducing the plasma levels of white cell lysosomal contents which have the potential for producing harmful systemic effects.