Technical aspects and performance in collecting peripheral blood progenitor cells.

Abstract

The combination of effective mobilization protocols and efficient use of apheresis systems has led to a rapid growth of peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation. The specifications for these procedures are changing towards more automated systems for standard collections to minimize operator interaction and to collect PBPC efficiently from donors and patients and also to reduce the collection of undesired cells such as polymorphonuclear cells and platelets using functionally closed, sterile environments for collection, in keeping with good manufacturing practice guidelines. The increasing need for pediatric procedures requires apheresis systems that run efficiently at low flow rates. It is also desirable to have a low extracorporeal volume. Technical considerations related to PBPC harvesting should include strategies facilitating more efficient collection such as large-volume leukapheresis, which is able to increase the PBPC yield. The most common complication related to apheresis is catheter occlusion, and care should be taken to prevent thrombosis and maintain vascular access. However, refinement and improvement of collection techniques continue to add to the armamentarium of current approaches for cancer and nonmalignant conditions and will enable the development of new strategies.