 Global  

TPE: Turbulence and

troubleshooting

  

During a therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedure on Spectra Optia, the Automated Interface
Management (AIM) System may display the algorithm control icon, which indicates the AIM system is
unable to identify a stable interface.

The most common cause for the icon to appear is turbulence.1 Turbulence can be related to a number of
factors — from the pump flow rate to certain patient conditions. Here’s how to troubleshoot the situation.

This website would like to use cookies to store information on your

computer which will help to customize your interactions with us and
provide you with a better browsing experience. You may delete and
block cookies from this site, but parts of the site may not function as
a result. More information about cookies and your choices can be
found in our Privacy Policy. To accept cookies from this site, please 
click the "I Accept" button below.

I ACCEPT I DECLINE

https://www.terumobct.com/Pages/Access-Point-TPE.aspx#:~ al%20separation,to%20see%20the%20interface%20clearly. 02/02/24, 1 31 PM

Page 1 of 3
:
:
 When the algorithm control icon is displayed, the system is using a calculation to manage the interface
position. The plasma pump flow rate is based on the entered patient hematocrit (Hct). Algorithm control
results in decreased plasma removal efficiency, and procedure time may increase.

Turbulence may be caused by:

High inlet pump flow rate

Low packing factor

Platelet swirling

Certain patient conditions, such as hyperviscosity (which causes the poor separation of the blood) or
mild lipemia (which looks like platelet swirling to the AIM system)

Your first step is to look through the view port to observe and assess the plasma separation in the connector.
If the plasma appears turbulent, follow the troubleshooting steps below.

Troubleshooting options are:

Decrease the inlet pump flow rate to increase the packing factor. This will decrease turbulence in the
connector. An inlet pump flow rate of 62 mL per minute will result in a packing factor of 20. A packing
factor of 20 may allow for optimal separation of cells and may decrease turbulence in the connector.

If there is no turbulence, you can wait, and let Spectra Optia attempt to see the interface clearly.

https://www.terumobct.com/Pages/Access-Point-TPE.aspx#:~ al%20separation,to%20see%20the%20interface%20clearly. 02/02/24, 1 31 PM

Page 2 of 3
:
:
 You can refer to the Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) on Spectra Optia E-learning Presentation
for more information.

Source:

1. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedure training (including single
needle option). 2022. Part number TS-OPTI-01505.

Products available in select markets.

Contract Manufacturing

Careers

Employee Resources

Research & Grants

Advancing Apheresis Award

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Site Map

©2023 TERUMO BCT, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

https://www.terumobct.com/Pages/Access-Point-TPE.aspx#:~ al%20separation,to%20see%20the%20interface%20clearly. 02/02/24, 1 31 PM

Page 3 of 3
:
: