Publications by authors named "Maria J Candela"

Objectives: Whole blood-derived platelet concentrates can be obtained by the platelet-rich plasma (PRP-PCs) or the buffy-coat (BC-PCs) method. Few studies have shown that BC-PCs display lower in vitro platelet activation, but scarce information exists regarding transfusion efficacy. We have performed a retrospective study assessing platelet transfusion in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in our clinic, before and after the implementation of BC-PCs.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates a manual washing method for preparing washed platelet concentrates (W-PC), focusing on its impact on platelet quality and transfusion effectiveness.
  • Results indicated that while washing increased platelet activation slightly, it did not compromise the transfusion outcomes compared to standard platelets (S-PC).
  • The findings suggest that this simple washing technique maintains platelet functionality and could be safely applied in clinical settings for patients with a history of allergic transfusion reactions.
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Introduction: Predonation hemoglobin measurement is a problematic requirement in mobile donation settings, where accurate determination of venous hemoglobin by hematology analyzers is not available.

Objective: We have evaluated hemoglobin screening in prospective donors by the semiquantitative copper sulphate test and by capillary blood samples analyzed by three portable photometers, HemoCue, STAT-Site MHgb, and the CompoLab HB system.

Methods: Capillary blood samples were obtained from 380 donors and tested by the copper sulphate test and by at least one of the named portable photometers.

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Background: Recent studies have shown that hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients who are negative for the presence of anti-HCV and serum HCV RNA. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of HCV viremia in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) donors by the use of a free HCV core antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Study Design And Methods: A total of 28 samples from consecutive PBPC donors that were mobilized with G-CSF, and 13 samples from patients presenting with leukocytosis of greater than 20 x 10(9) per L from other causes, were tested by a free HCV core antigen ELISA.

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Background: A novel WBC-reduction in-line whole-blood (WB) filter that does not retain platelets was evaluated to assess the filtration performance and, after processing WB by the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) method, to analyze the storage quality of filtered platelet concentrate (PC) units.

Study Design And Methods: To analyze the filter retention, blood was collected from random donors into quadruple blood packs with an integral in-line filter (Imuflex WB-SP, Terumo; n = 25) or in standard triple bag systems (n = 30). To assess the in vitro storage characteristics of platelets, 26 WB units were pooled in pairs and redistributed into 13 units that underwent WBC reduction and 13 units that were not WBC reduced.

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