Trima machines
The new
Trima machines are a big success. The staff were so
enthusiastic about them, and I can see why! I loved today's
collection.
The machine has a large, friendly screen that can be angled toward
the donor. Entering donor info is simple, as is deciding what to
collect. Based on my previous platelet count, the ABQ office
decided to draw two units of platelets and one RBC (just the red,
not whole). So even though the new machines are much faster -- the
first unit of platelets took only 50 minutes -- I still ended up
spending a long time, and wasn't able to make the 10:15 Vinyasa
class at
Body.
The procedure itself was much better than the old Haemonetics. The
cycle is 2 minutes draw, 30 seconds return, compared to 10/5 (or
thereabouts) on the old machines. There's also no increased
pressure on the cuff, and no need to stop squeezing. And no need to
count cycles: the Trima's display shows the time left, as well as
quantity of platelets/plasma/RBC collected. (Yes, I can look at the
bags, but I don't have a feel for how full they need to be).
Rocio's only complaint? "I don't have enough to do."
The new machines are on tour this month, on a trial basis for the
mobile units. I hope they work out well: I really liked my
experience today, and three units for the cost (time) of one
certainly seems worthwhile.