Comparison of two apheresis systems during hematopoietic progenitor stem cell collections at a tertiary medical center.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Spectra Optia is a newer apheresis system developed based on the COBE Spectra platform. COBE Spectra requires more manual control, while Spectra Optia offers greater automation. The purpose of this study was to compare the two systems during hematopoietic progenitor stem cell (HPSC) collections. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 41 collections performed in 26 subjects at a tertiary medical center between June 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, was conducted, 11 with the Spectra Optia and 30 with the COBE Spectra. Six patients underwent two consecutive daily collections, first on the Spectra Optia followed by the COBE Spectra. RESULTS: Procedure run time with the Spectra Optia was considerably longer than with the COBE Spectra (283 ± 11 min vs. 217 ± 2 min, respectively; p < 0.01). Mean CD34+ cell yields with the Spectra Optia were comparable with those of the COBE Spectra. Products collected with the Spectra Optia had less red blood cell contamination. However, platelet (PLT) attrition was greater with the Spectra Optia. Similar results were obtained in patients who were collected on consecutive days in both systems. CONCLUSION: Collections with the Spectra Optia take longer and lead to greater PLT losses during HPSC collections.