Multicenter study of standardization of cell counting. Haemapheresis Scientific Workshop Group of DGTI.
Multicenter studies on cell separators give valid data (which can be compared between the different centers) only if the cell counting methods are uniform. This has to be demonstrated by ring studies or multicenter counting studies. Twelve apheresis centers involved in a multicenter study for the evaluation of the Fresenius AS 104 cell separator participated in such a ring study from July 1990 to July 1991. The twelve participating centers split into three significantly different groups according to the platelet counts in the platelet concentrates and a calculated pseudo extraction efficiency. No differences could be found in the white and red blood cell counts. No mailing effect--or time effect--and no personal effect could be found in the reference center.