Application of an automated plasma filtration device and a blood monitoring system for LDL apheresis

This study describes the adaptation of a filtration separation device (AK 10 from Gambro, Munchen, FRG) and a blood monitor system (BTS 100 from Diamed, Koln, FRG) to the automated adsorption/desorption device for LDL apheresis. Plasma separation by filtration was performed by a hollow-fiber filter (OP5, Asahi Corp., Japan). In order to evaluate the quality of the plasma obtained by filtration, the platelet contamination, the activity of factors V and VIII and the concentration of the immunoglobulins IgG and IgM were determined. The following results were found: Platelet contamination of the plasma was 2,740/μl. As compared to the patient’s pre-treatment values, activity of factor V was 94% activity of factor VIII was 104% concentration of IgG was 96% concentration of IgM was 94%. Ten LDL aphereses were evaluated: red cell counts, platelet counts, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were not changed significantly. Thus, this new combination system represents an improved alternative to previously performed centrifugation methods.