Analysis on the composition of leukapheresis product – A comparison between MCS+® + and spectra optia® apheresis equipment

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral blood stem cell has become the preferred source for hematopoietic stem cells in both autologous and allogenic transplants. CD34+ cells represent a small proportion of the leukapheresis product content. The present study aims to analyze the cellular composition of leukapheresis product collected by intermittent-flow Mobile Collection System®+ (MCS+) and continuous-flow (Spectra Optia ® ) apheresis equipment. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 97 leukapheresis procedures for 85 individuals mobilized only with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor were analyzed. The product samples were analyzed for CD34+ cells, red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells, and platelet contents. The difference in overall product composition was compared between the equipment through Mann–Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Both the equipment had similar CD34 and mononuclear cells (MNC) harvested in the product. However, Spectra Optia had statistically significantly lower product volume than MCS+ (215 mL vs. 260 mL, P = 0.04). Similarly non-CD34 composition such as RBC content per apheresis was six-fold higher (27 mL vs. 4 mL) and platelet contamination (1601 vs. 1275 × 109/L) was relatively higher with MCS+ over Spectra Optia. No relationship was observed between the CD34 concentration in the product and RBC and platelet contamination between both the equipment. CONCLUSION: Both equipment collect adequate CD34 and MNC cells; however, Spectra Optia is preferred due to product quality in terms of less product volume with minimal RBC and platelet contamination.