Automated collection of double red blood cell units with a variable-volume separation chamber.

Background: Automated collection of blood components offers multiple advantages and has prompted development of portable devices. This study sought to document the biochemical and hematologic properties and in vivo recovery of red cells (RBCs) collected via a new device that employed a variable-volume centrifugal separation chamber.

Study Design And Methods: Normal subjects (n = 153) donated 2 units of RBCs via an automated blood collection system (Cymbal, Haemonetics).