Comparison of transfusion methods
| Simple transfusion . | Manual exchange transfusion . | Automated red cell exchange . |
|---|---|---|
| Widespread availability | Widespread availability | Limited availability |
| Minimal staff training required | Some staff training required | Significant staff training required |
| Minimal specialist equipment | Minimal specialist equipment | Requires specialist equipment |
| Time-consuming for patient | Time-consuming for patient and staff | Rapid procedure |
| Risk of hyperviscosity with high Hb targets | Less risk of hyperviscosity | Less risk of hyperviscosity |
| Poor control of HbS% | Intermediate control of HbS% | Best control of HbS% |
| Short intervals between procedures | Intermediate intervals between procedures | Long intervals between procedures |
| High levels of iron accumulation | Intermediate levels of iron accumulation | Low levels of iron accumulation |
| Peripheral access is usual | Intermediate requirement for central access | High requirement for central access |
| Simple transfusion . | Manual exchange transfusion . | Automated red cell exchange . |
|---|---|---|
| Widespread availability | Widespread availability | Limited availability |
| Minimal staff training required | Some staff training required | Significant staff training required |
| Minimal specialist equipment | Minimal specialist equipment | Requires specialist equipment |
| Time-consuming for patient | Time-consuming for patient and staff | Rapid procedure |
| Risk of hyperviscosity with high Hb targets | Less risk of hyperviscosity | Less risk of hyperviscosity |
| Poor control of HbS% | Intermediate control of HbS% | Best control of HbS% |
| Short intervals between procedures | Intermediate intervals between procedures | Long intervals between procedures |
| High levels of iron accumulation | Intermediate levels of iron accumulation | Low levels of iron accumulation |
| Peripheral access is usual | Intermediate requirement for central access | High requirement for central access |