Considerations for the Implementation of Automated Blood Processing System Using the Platelet-Rich Plasma Method in Korea

Red blood cell concentrates, platelet concentrates, and fresh plasma are separated from whole blood through centrifugation.The main manufacturing methods, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and buffy-coat (BC), are currently in use.The BC method has been increasingly adopted because of its high recovery rate of platelets and plasma, lower platelet activation, and reduced transfusion-related complications.Korea's first Master Plan for Blood Management (20212025) considered transitioning from the PRP method to the BC method and introducing automation to expand the supply of leukoreduced blood components.On the other hand, several issues have prevented this transition.In 2023, the US FDA cleared an automated system for the single centrifugation method without switching to the BC method.This paper discusses these approaches.(