Poly(butylene terephthalate) haemocompatibility after physicochemical treatment in order to increase wettability

We evaluated the haemocompatibility of a filter of poly(butylene terephthalate) for packed red cell transfusions, which had undergone a physicochemical treatment (corona treatment) in order to reduce the filling time. Leucocyte, erythrocyte and platelet counts were carried out and haematological and coagulation parameters were examined before and after filtration. Moreover, some biochemical plasma parameters were evaluated, which are normally checked in hospitalized patients. The results obtained show that the filter treatment reduces the filling time, does not reduce the efficiency in retaining leucocytes and platelets,and does not induce alterations in filtered red blood cells. However, the treatment prolongs the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and reduces the activity of some factors of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. On the other hand, it does not induce modifications in the biochemical parameters examined.