Analysis of a linear peristaltic infusion device for the transfusion of red cells to pediatric patients

A linear peristaltic infusion device was evaluated for red cell (RBC) transfusion in the pediatric and neonatal setting. CPDA‐1 RBC units (n = 24) divided into six groups of 4 units each underwent simulated transfusion. Blood was infused by using manufacturer‐provided administration sets with either a 21‐gauge needle or a 24‐gauge catheter. Filters were used in two groups to evaluate the effect of negative pressure on filter function. Two groups of RBCs less than 1 week old were washed, irradiated, and infused at 5 mL per hour, by using a standard administration set, or at 10 mL per hour, by using a syringe set. Four‐week‐old RBCs (washed and irradiated, irradiated and filtered, filtered only, or unmanipulated) were infused at 100 mL per hour. Paired samples from 0 and 2 hours before and after infusion were analyzed for hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, plasma hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Hausser and Nageotte hemocytometers were used to perform white cell (WBC) counts when a filter was used. By analysis of variance and percentage of change, data from 0 and 2 hours before and after infusion were compared. No clinically or statistically significant differences were seen for hemoglobin, hematocrit, or RBC count. The difference in preinfusion and postinfusion plasma hemoglobin levels in washed RBCs at 2 hours was statistically but not clinically significant (14.5 ± 6.8 vs. 19.3 ± 7.1 mg/dL). No clinically significant differences were noted for the remaining analytes. In filtered RBCs at 2 hours, the WBC removal was 3.08 ± 0.28 log10 which resulted in fewer than 2 times 106 WBCs per unit. The linear peristaltic infusion device is suitable for use in a pediatric setting.