Laboratory Evaluation of Normal Donors Undergoing Leukapheresis on the Continuous Flow Centrifuge

Leukapheresis with the continuous flow centrifuge for leukocyte collection from normal donors is becoming widely utilized. Thus, it is important to establish guidelines for the laboratory evaluation of donors. Forty‐nine normal donors underwent 120 different leukaphereses and the following variables were studied before and after each procedure: hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte count and differential, platelet count, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorus, prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, plasma hemoglobin, and blood culture. No unexpected laboratory results were encountered.
On the basis of these studies, hemoglobin or hematocrit and partial thromboplastin time are necessary as a minimum. Total leukocyte differential count, platelet count, and serum calcium may be added but are optional. These laboratory studies must be combined with a thorough history, and the leukocyte unit once collected should undergo pretransfusion testing and compatibility testing similar to other blood products.