Preparation of red cell concentrates in low-income countries: Efficacy of whole blood settling method by simple gravity in Burkina Faso

Aim: This study aims to describe the characteristics of the red cell concentrâtes RCCs) produced by whole blood settling in Burkina Faso. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the blood centers of Ouagadougou and Koudougou between 12th February and 15th March 2015. 427 blood units selected at Koudougou and divided into three groups were processed by settling method over three durations (methods I = 36–48 h, II = 48–72 h and III = 72–96 h). Other 139 units selected at Ouagadougou were processed by centrifugation (method IV). The RCCs units’ characteristics were described by the mean of their hematocrit, volume, hemoglobin level and content. The residual plasma level, the hematocrit yield and the hematocrit concentration ability (ability of method to raise hematocrit in comparison with whole blood) have been used to assess methods efficacy. Results: The volume and hemoglobin content of overall units met standard requirements. 2.1%, 14.2% and 27.7% of units respectively issued from methods I, II, III had hematocrit over 50%. The average volume (mL) was 372.88, 357.91, 350.30 and 332.26 respectively for method I to IV (p<0.05). The mean hematocrit (%) was respectively 45.42,47.41, 48.24 and 62.28 (non-significant difference between methods II and III). The hematocrit concentration ability was respectively 1.14, 1.22, 1.24 and 1.51 and the proportion of residual plasma 0.39, 0.33, 0.30 and 0.09. Conclusion: The RCCs obtained by settling method did not meet all standards. But we can hypothesize that they would be more effective and safe for patients. However, it is necessary to undertake further studies to verify it.