Validation of cord blood split products prepared by an automated method.

Objectives In this study, we studied whether the contents of the two compartments of automatically processed cord blood (CB) units are comparable with respect to cell counts and viability and therefore suitable for clinical therapy. Background CB-derived stem cells are increasingly used for allogeneic transplantation. Many centres prepare the transplants by automated methods allowing to split the product into two portions. Methods CB was collected at different sites in Germany and transported to a single centre for processing. Before and after cryopreservation laboratory analyses were performed to compare the quality of the two CB segments. Results In total, 33 products were processed [mean collection volume: 18.6?+/-?1.2?mL (range 15.220.2?mL) segment A; mean: 4.7?+/-?0.3?mL (range 4.25.2?mL) segment B]. CD34+ cell counts, viability of CD34+ cells and many other haematological parameters showed a good comparibility between the two segments. However, lymphocyte counts and results of clonogenic assays were significantly different between the two segments of the split product. Conclusion We conclude that the preparation of the cord blood unit by the automated process results in a homogenous distribution of stem and progenitor cells. However, our findings show that the clonogenic capacity differs between the two segments.