Development of an easy non-destructive particle isolation protocol for quality control of red blood cell concentrates.

The extracellular vesicle release in red blood cell concentrates reflects progressive accumulation of storage lesions and could represent a new measure to be implemented routinely in blood centres in addition to haemolysis. Nevertheless, there is currently no standardized isolation protocol. In a previous publication, we developed a reproducible ultracentrifugation-based protocol (20,000 ×  protocol) that allows to classify red blood cell concentrates into three cohorts according to their vesiculation level.

Recommendations for in vitro evaluation of blood components collected, prepared and stored in non-DEHP medical devices.

Background And Objectives: DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is the most common member of the class of ortho-phthalates, which are used as plasticizers. The Medical Device Regulation has restricted the use of phthalates in medical devices. Also DEHP has been added to the Annex XIV of REACH, "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals" due to its endocrine disrupting properties to the environment.

Antioxidants in single methylene-blue-treated plasma units cannot be used to predict pathogen inactivation treatment success.

Background And Objectives: Measurement of antioxidant power (AOP) can be useful to validate the execution of the pathogen inactivation (PI) treatment of plasma units. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Theraflex technology for plasma units routinely used in Belgium.

Materials And Methods: AOP was tested on plasma units treated by Theraflex with various non-complete treatment scenarios.

Evaluation of the hemostatic capacity of methylene blue-treated liquid (not frozen) plasma stored up 14 days at 2° to 6°C.

Background: Early plasma transfusion for management of bleeding, particularly trauma, is associated with better outcomes. Improving the availability/safety of plasma transfusion for patients is essential for transfusion services. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hemostatic capacity of methylene-blue (MB) liquid (not frozen) plasma over time.

Antioxidant power measurement in platelet concentrates treated by two pathogen inactivation systems in different blood centres.

Background And Objectives: The antioxidant power measurement can be useful to validate the execution of the pathogen inactivation treatment of platelet concentrates. The aim of this study is to evaluate the technology on different blood preparations including INTERCEPT and Mirasol treatments that are in routine use in Belgium and Luxemburg.

Materials And Methods: The antioxidant power measurement was tested on 78 apheresis platelet concentrates and 54 pools of buffy-coats-derived platelet concentrates before and after INTERCEPT treatment.