SQ40™ Microaggregate Blood Transfusion Filter

The SQ40™ Filter’s 40 µm rated polyester screen media is process controlled and monitored to ensure uniformity of pore size to assure maximum patient protection from microaggregates, clots, and particulate debris from stored blood.

Large volume transfusions have clearly shown an association between microaggregate debris in stored blood blocking pre-capillary arterioles and the incidence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).^1,2,3 Reul demonstrated that microaggregates from stored blood were involved in the development of ARDS, and that fine screen filtration significantly improved patients’ microvasculature and clinical recovery after massive blood transfusions. 

Enhanced ease-of-use

With its small filter housing, priming is rapid. The tapered spike which is compatible with all conventional blood bags permits easy insertion and transfer from one bag to another during multiple unit transfusions.

Minimal filter hold-up volume with high product recovery

Low residual blood hold-up volume (20 mL) ensures the highest recovery of blood component being transfused.

Cost-effective filter set and better inventory management

There is no need to have both standard blood and platelet administration sets. The SQ40 Filter is compatible with all blood components. This includes whole blood, packed red blood cells, platelet, and granulocyte concentrates and ViaSpan Cold Storage Solution.

Increase filter life

Media pleating and total filter area provide up to twelve times the typical first surface area of a depth-type microaggregate filter. This not only increases filter life, but also reduces the number of administration set changes required for rapid transfusion, particularly for blood components with a large debris load.

Minimize blood trauma and achieve rapid flow during massive transfusions

What determines how well blood flows through a filter? The larger the open area, the better the flow and the longer it can be maintained. With its large open area (40 cm²) and small screen thickness (60 microns), there is low sheer stress even at high flow rates. The SQ40 Filter is pressure-infuser compatible.

1 Fowler AA, Hamman RF, Good JT, Benson KN, Baird M, Eberle DJ, Petty TL, Hyers TM. Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Risk with Common Predispositions. Ann Int Med 19833; 98:593-597.
2 Reul GJ, Greenberg SD, Lafrak EA, McCollum WB, Beall AC, Jordan GL. Prevention of Post-Traumatic Pulmonary Insufficiency. Arch Surg 1973; 106:386-394.
3 Reul GJ, Beall AC, Greenberg SD. Protection of the Pulmonary Microvasculature by Fine Screen Blood Filtration. Chest 1974; 66:4-9.

The SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filter is 40 µm rated screen-type filter, and filtration is based on direct interception to retain particles and microaggregates.

Leukocyte Reduction Capability of the SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filter

Although SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filters retain microaggregates that consist of non-viable leukocytes, they do not achieve the low residual levels possible with leukocyte reduction filters such as our SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filter.

Using a Filter with Pre-storage Leukoreduced Blood Products

According to the Blood Transfusion Therapy: A Physician’s Handbook¹, “All blood components must be administered through a filter in order to remove blood clots and other debris.” Standard blood filters, with a pore size of about 170 µm, trap large aggregates and clots. The SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filter is a high flow filter with a variety of benefits to assure patient protection during rapid transfusion of blood.

Using a Microaggregate Blood Filter — A Cost-Effective Solution

In situations where high flow of blood components is a requirement, the SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filter is the product of choice. Two factors to consider are the clinical settings in which this product is used (surgical, emergency and critical care) and in what types of transfusion procedures (multiple, rapid and massive). The SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filter consistently delivers high flow rates. It can be used with a pressure cuff, when transfusing multiple units and/or multiple types of blood components, without having to change the administration set. The ability to use this product for multiple blood components makes the SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filter a cost-effective alternative to standard blood transfusion sets which provides the hospital with flexibility in optmizing their utilization practices.

Using a 40 µm Filter with Cell Saver Equipment

The SQ40 Blood Transfusion Filter meets the requirement for use with cell saver equipment by virtue of it being a 40 micron screen filter, as well as some additional advantages, such as:

• Very low residual volume minimizing red cell loss
• A high filtering capacity reducing the number of administration set changes
• Universal blood compatibility, thereby eliminating the need to inventory special blood component administration sets

1 Blood Transfusion Therapy – A Physician’s Handbook, 10th edition, 2011.

• SQ40 High Flow Blood Filter (0.12 mb)
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STERILE and non-pyrogenic fluid pathway. Rx Only.

Indications: The microaggregate blood transfusion filter is indicated for the transfusion of whole blood, packed red cells, platelet and granulocyte concentrates, cyroprecipitate and for the filtration of ViaSpan Cold Storage Solution.

Precautions: Follow instructions carefully. Single patient use; do not resterilize or reuse.

Do not use if packaging is damaged or end protectors are loose or displaced.

Note: This product is free of natural rubber latex.