It’s summer — dive into these insights

Let’s begin our summer 2023 edition with a fast fact: There are currently more than 2,500 Spectra Optia^® Apheresis Systems installed in the U.S. and Canada and more than 7,000 worldwide.¹ All of those systems are operated by apheresis professionals who deserve ongoing best-practice information. That’s why this issue is swimming with technical insights — from interface turbulence tips to a valuable story on improving collection yield, and more. Happy August, and thanks for all you do!

Therapeutics

TPE: Turbulence and troubleshooting

During a therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedure on Spectra Optia, the Automated Interface Management (AIM) System may display the algorithm control icon, which indicates the AIM system is unable to identify a stable interface.

The most common cause for the icon to appear is turbulence.² Turbulence can be related to a number of factors — from the pump flow rate to certain patient conditions. Here’s how to troubleshoot the situation.

Keep reading →

Cell Collections

Figure: Failure to Reach Target Yields

Success story: Hospital decreases number of collections not meeting target yields

A site-specific prediction algorithm can help collection sites determine the amount of whole blood to process to meet target cell yield in the most efficient time possible. Prediction algorithms differ from more universal process calculations because they consider the predictability of the exact collection process at that site.

Discover how Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in South Dakota leveraged a prediction algorithm to improve the effectiveness of their cell collection process — after realizing more than half of their cell collections were not meeting target yields.³

View the Case Study

Your Questions, Answered

Dear Access Point,

I am a dialysis nurse who has recently learned therapeutic apheresis. In dialysis, we use membrane technology to separate the waste products from the blood. But in apheresis, we use centrifugation to separate the blood components. I hear people talking about the interface, but I really don’t know what that means. Can you explain?

— Emily in San Francisco, Calif.

Dear Emily,

It’s not uncommon for a new apheresis operator to need more information about all the terms used in apheresis, so here you go: When whole blood separates in the connector of the centrifuge, it separates by specific gravity. Because red blood cells (RBCs) have the highest specific gravity of all the cells, they’re located in the bottom layer. Between the top plasma layer and bottom RBC layer is the buffy coat, containing white blood cells and platelets. The interface is how we describe the line between cells and plasma when blood separates.⁴

If you have a specific question about the Spectra Optia system, let us know. We’ll feature a reader question in each Access Point edition. Be sure to tell us your first name, hometown, and state or province. Questions not featured will be answered directly via email.

Submit a Question

Resource Spotlight

Veda Solutions — Service, Analytics, and Consulting

For 40+ years, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies has been providing innovative technology, service, and support to customers all over the world. At every step of the way, our expertise has expanded. Today, our desire to help our customers elevate their operations, meet regulatory requirements, and achieve their goals has never been stronger. (Need an example? See the success story above.)

We are pleased to offer Veda Solutions — a suite of collaborative offerings aimed at empowering our customers to realize their mission.

Learn More About Veda Solutions

Did You Know?

Our Customer Support Team phone line can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days per year.

Plus: Our online Help Center is also available — bookmark it for easy access.

Events

Are you interested in hosting or attending a future Successions workshop?

Contact your local Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies representative or send us an email.

Live From Lakewood

Check out our upcoming session to improve your working knowledge of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies devices.

Need Support?

You’re on the front lines of care, and we’re here to assist.

Contact us online or via 877.339.4228.

Sources

1. Data on file. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.

2. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) Procedure Training (Including Single Needle Option). 2022. Part number TS-OPTI-01505.

3. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. Customer success story: Hospital decreases cell collections not meeting target from 53% to 8%. 2022. Part number TS-OPTI-01531.

4. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. Cell collection procedures on the Spectra Optia Apheresis System. 2022. Part number TS-OPTI-01824.