Feasibility and safety of triple dose platelet collection by apheresis

BACKGROUND: Blood cell separators of the newest generation allow for the collection of high-dose platelet concentrates. The aim of this study was to evaluate triple dose platelet collection with respect to feasibility and safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred eighty plateletphereses were performed targeting to collect a triple platelet dose. Platelet counts were performed before and after apheresis and in platelet concentrates. Furthermore, donors were monitored for adverse events. RESULTS: Triple dose platelet collection was achieved in 96% according to European and national guidelines. Mean donor platelet count before apheresis was 303 +/- 64/nl and decreased to 195 +/- 48/nl after plateletpheresis. The lowest platelet count after apheresis was 111/nl. Twenty-one donor adverse events were observed (4.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Triple dose platelet collection is feasible and safe provided that donors are carefully checked for triple dose eligibility.