AABB24: Managing Rare Blood Inventory After the Sunset of the Terumo COBE 2991

A Sunday morning education session at the 2024 AABB Annual Meeting focused on the implications of the planned sunset of the Terumo COBE 2991 device and the need for alternative methods for processing rare red blood cell (RBC) and platelet units. The session highlighted the challenges facing immunohematology reference labs (IRLs) and blood centers as they prepare to transition away from the soon-to-be-phased-out device – scheduled to be sunset on March 31, 2031. 

Sandy Wortman, MLS (ASCP) SBB, began the session with an exploration of current industry practices surrounding the management of frozen RBC and discussed the currently available cell processing devices: the COBE 2991 and the Haemonetics ACP 215. Wortman then previewed potential hurdles that blood centers may face as they adapt to the upcoming changes. For example, the ACP 215 is designed for whole-blood derived units only, and validating the machine for other uses may result in high hemolysis. Wortman noted, however, that Hema-Quebec has successfully used the ACP 215 since 2015 and has offered the blood community resources to assist during this transition period.  
 
Next, Margaret A. Keller, PhD, discussed a survey conducted by the American Rare Donor Program among U.S.-based blood collecting facilities, which revealed concerns about the upcoming changes to cell processing and their effect on the availability of rare RBC units. The survey indicated that many facilities do not yet have alternative methods for processing frozen units, adding urgency to the search for viable solutions. 

A second survey, conducted by AABB's Technical Practices, Serology and Genomics Subsection in September, provided further insights into how blood centers and hospitals are preparing for the 2031 sunset. The results showed varying levels of preparedness, with many facilities still utlizing the Terumo COBE 2991 for RBC washing and processing. However, interest in transitioning to the Haemonetics ACP 215 device or manual methods is growing, especially as facilities anticipate the need for dual inventories to accommodate both frozen and liquid units. 

The final section of the session addressed potential alternative methods for red cell and platelet washing. Wortman discussed manual washing techniques as a backup option, noting that many smaller facilities may face challenges in continuing their washing procedures after the Terumo COBE 2991 sunset.  

Wortman gave particular attention to the challenges of managing patients with IgA deficiencies, as the ACP device does not consistently reduce IGA levels in washed blood products. The discussion also extended to bone marrow processing and cellular therapy labs, where the sunset could significantly affect workflows and costs.  

Wortman concluded the session with a strong call for collaboration between blood centers, IRLs and vendors to develop new solutions and support each other during this transitional period to ensure uninterrupted patient care.