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An evaluation of automated blood collection mixers.

van der Meer PF, Pietersz RN

Sanquin Blood Bank North-West Region, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.vandermeer@sanquin.nl

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated the mixing capacity of two whole blood (WB) collection mixers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: WB was simulated by using a 25% glycerol solution warmed to 35 degrees C. Citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) anticoagulant of a collection system was stained with toluidine blue, and simulated WB was added at 30, 60 or 90 ml/min, respectively (n = 3 per flow speed). The optical density (OD) of 10-ml fractions was measured, and results are expressed as percentage of a well-mixed '100%-sample'. RESULTS: CompoGuard showed adequate mixing at all three flow speeds (average ODs 96-103%). HemoLight showed good mixing at 60 and 90 ml/min (ODs from 97 to 101%). At 30 ml/min, mixing appeared suboptimal, but still conformed to our requirements with ODs from 96% to 104%. CONCLUSION: Both mixers give sufficient mixing of whole blood with anticoagulant.

Published 8 September 2006 in Vox Sang, 91(3): 275-7.
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