Haemonetics MCS+, Operation Manual

Page: 89 / 110

Ensuring Safety and Quality for an MCS+ Procedure 6-3
P/N 85213-30, Manual revision: B
P
REVENTING PROBLEMS DURING AN
MCS+
PROCEDURE
Understanding
the risk of
hemolysis
Hemolysis involves the destruction of red blood cell membranes, with the release
of free hemoglobin into the plasma portion of the blood. Free hemoglobin does
not have the capacity to transport oxygen and can produce serious problems. The
remnants of the red cell can stimulate clot formation and damage the vascular
nature of the lungs and the kidneys. This could lead to respiratory complications
and/or renal failure.
Hemolysis of red cells can occur during an apheresis procedure in the rare event
of a mechanically induced situation, such as overheating, or excessive pressure.
Warning: Forcing a pump to work against a severe flow restriction can lead to
hemolysis, and thus, consequently high levels of free hemoglobin in the plasma.
It is important that the operator remain attentive to this fact in the case of any
“high return pressure alarms” during MCS+ operation.
If there is any suspicion that hemolysis has occurred, the operator should not
return the contents of the bowl to the donor. The local Haemonetics representa-
tive should be informed of the problem to provide the operator with further
instruction.
Avoiding the
consequences of
flow restriction
During DRAW, a flow restriction in the effluent tubing can create pressure on the
outlet port of the disposable bowl. This unrelieved pressure can deform the rotary
seal of the disposable bowl. If the functional characteristics of the rotary seal are
altered, the increased friction and excessive heat can make the contents of the
bowl unsuitable for return to the donor.
During RETURN, a flow restriction in the effluent tubing can cause the pressure
in the centrifuge bowl to drop severely. This sudden drop in pressure could poten-
tially produce hemolysis.
To eliminate these potential problems, the operator should:
"
Ensure against inadvertent clamping of the effluent tubing.
"
Observe the following changes in flow rate (possible indications of a flow
restriction):
! Decreased donor flow rate during DRAW.
! Abnormally increased time required to return the disposable bowl con-
tents to the donor.