Feasibility of an Ultrasonic Blood Cell Washer
Abstract
In a potential conflict the armed forces will need large quantities of blood for transfusion. Frozen red cells can be kept for several years thus allowing buildup of a large emergency supply. The freezing procedure utilizes glycerine to prevent lysis of the cells. Upon thawing and before infusion the relatively high concentration of glycerine must be reduced to below about one percent. Technical Research Associates explored the feasibility of using an ultrasonic pseudostanding wave to effect the removal of glycerol from thawed frozen red cells. In the first part of this project basic data regarding the acoustic properties of prediluted thawed red cells, and the prediluted cells plus the final washing solution were obtained. These data would aid in the design of a sweeping wave acoustic separation cell. Subsequent work involved the design, construction and characterization of numerous acoustic separation cells. None of these cells showed promise for scaling to feed flow rates competitive with current washing systems. Several other approaches to the problem of low cost, low mass cell washers were suggested.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA209749
Entities
People
- Stephen C. Peterson