Improved blood component quality and processing efficiency with a fully automated whole blood preparation system
Sinan Demircioğlu, Melda Cömert, Mehtap Yücel, İsmail Yaşar AvcıAbstract
Background
Automation in blood component preparation has emerged as a key strategy to improve standardisation, reduce operator‐dependent variability, and enhance product quality and workflow efficiency. However, comparative real‐world data between fully automated (FA) and semi‐automated (SA) systems remain limited.
Methods
In this retrospective study, a total of 699 blood component units, including 400 red blood cell concentrates (RCC), 199 pooled platelet concentrates (PPC), and 100 fresh frozen plasma (FFP) units prepared between June 2024 and June 2025, were analysed. Quality parameters such as volume, haemoglobin (Hb), total Hb content, haematocrit (Hct), hemolysis, potassium, platelet count, leukocyte count, pH, and Factor VIII activity were compared between FA and SA systems. Preparation times were also evaluated.
Results
The FA system significantly reduced preparation time for all blood components ( p < 0.001). RCC units produced by FA demonstrated higher volume, weight, Hb, and Hct levels, along with lower haemolysis rates and potassium concentrations ( p < .05). FA‐prepared PPC units showed reduced leukocyte contamination and improved platelet yield, particularly in six‐pool concentrates, while maintaining comparable pH values. In FFP analysis, erythrocyte counts, pH, and Factor VIII activity were similar between systems; however, FA units exhibited significantly lower leukocyte levels, whereas SA units had higher volume and weight ( p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Fully automated whole blood preparation systems significantly enhance operational efficiency and improve key quality parameters of blood components compared with semi‐automated methods. The adoption of automation may contribute to improved transfusion safety, better resource utilisation, and greater standardisation in blood component preparation.