A NEW APPROACH TO YOUNG RED-CELL TRANSFUSION - THE NEOCEL SYSTEM

Young reg cells (neocytes) were prepared in a double transfer pack having a long, narrow separation bag that allows for a density gradient column to be established during centrifugation. The lighter fraction of red cells (neocyte fraction) was then expressed into a second delivery bag. Phthalate ester density distribution curves showed that 87.1 % of the neocyte units had greater than 85 % enrichment, i.e. more than 85 % of the cells had densities lower than the midpoint density of the original red cell unit. thalassemic patients receiving neocytes had an average decrease of 21.1 % in red cells per kg/yr as compared to their frozen red cell requirement, and an average of 6.9 % fewer transfusions.