Automated plasmapheresis compared with other plasma collection methods in the horse.

This research article focuses on assessing the effectiveness of automated plasmapheresis in collecting plasma from horses, and comparing it to other methods such as centrifugation and gravity sedimentation.

Methodology and Participants

• The experiment was conducted as a cross-over trial involving six horses of the Freiberger breed. Each horse underwent plasma donation via plasmapheresis and then whole-blood donation with plasma production occurring 4 weeks after.
• Various aspects of the collection process were assessed including the tolerance of the horses towards the procedures and the quality of the produced plasma such as the presence of red and white blood cells (erythrocytes and leucocytes), platelet aggregation, the coagulation proteins, and the total protein content.

Key Findings

• Automated plasmapheresis and whole-blood donation were found to be well-tolerated by all horses involved in the study.
• The plasmapheresis method succeeded in removing nearly all erythrocytes and leucocytes from plasma regardless of the flow rates.
• After blood bag centrifugation, higher concentrations of erythrocytes and leucocytes were found in the plasma when compared to the plasma obtained via plasmapheresis.
• Plasma prepared via gravity sedimentation had significantly more red and white cells than the other methods, and this method also showed platelet aggregation.

Coagulation Proteins and Protein Content

• The coagulation proteins and the total protein content in the plasma prepared after plasmapheresis and after blood bag centrifugation were not significantly different compared to the values obtained prior to the collection process.
• However, the activity of coagulation factor VIII was significantly diminished 24 hours after gravity sedimentation of the blood, compared to its activity prior to blood collection.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that automated plasmapheresis is the preferred method for producing high-quality equine plasma.