Ensuring Safety and Quality for a PCS2 Procedure
4-3
P/N 85266-30, Manual revision: A
P
REVENTING
PROBLEMS
DURING
A
PCS2
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 PCS2 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 the DRAW mode, a flow restriction in the effluent tubing can create pres-
sure 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 the RETURN mode, a flow restriction in the effluent tubing can cause the
pressure in the centrifuge bowl to drop severely. This sudden drop in pressure
could potentially produce hemolysis.
To eliminate these potential problems, the operator should:
Î
Ensure against inadvertent clamping of the effluent tubing.
Î
Observe the following changes in flow rate which are possible indica-
tions of a flow restriction:
z
Decreased donor flow rate during a Draw cycle.
z
Abnormally increased time required to return the disposable bowl
contents bowl to the donor.
