Operational Considerations

Thawing and deglycerolization are time-consuming processes that will keep a well-staffed blood bank completely consumed. Thawing a frozen RBC unit takes about 35 minutes in a plasma thawer and about 45 minutes in a 42°C water bath. The process of deglycerolization of one blood unit on an Automated Cell Processor (ACP)-215 takes approximately one hour, not including time for initial unit thawing and labeling/release of deglycerolized product. When using multiple ACP215s, maximal throughput from initial thawing to unit release/availability can average up to 1 U every 2-3 hours per device. A laboratory technician may be trained to operate up to four ACP-215s at once. However, problems with device performance, supply limitations, breakage of the frozen RBC’s bag during thawing, and technician competency can lead to slower availability times. In periods of predictable operational requirements, it may be advisable to pre-thaw and deglycerolize several units so as not to incur the delay of preparation at the time they are needed.1

Figure 1. Haemonetics Automated Cell Processor ACP-215 in use.