Tools and resources

Adoption support resource – insights from the NHS

1 Introduction

1 Introduction

Published date: March 2016 Last updated: September 2020. See update information for a summary of the changes.

This resource has been developed to provide practical information and advice relating to NICE medical technologies guidance on Spectra Optia for automatic red blood cell exchange in people with sickle cell disease. It is intended to be used by both clinical and non‑clinical staff planning to implement this NICE guidance and start using this technology.

The Spectra Optia Apheresis System (Terumo BCT) is an apheresis and cell collection platform that can be used for automated red blood cell exchange, which separates out blood components using continuous flow and centrifugation. See the NICE guidance on Spectra Optia for more information.

NICE's Adoption and Impact programme worked with contributors in NHS organisations (referred to as 'sites' in this resource) to share their learning and experiences of using the Spectra Optia system for automated red blood cell exchange in people with sickle cell disease.

The information presented in this resource is intended for the sole purpose of supporting the NHS in adopting, evaluating the impact of adopting or further researching this technology for people with sickle cell disease.

The information presented is complementary to the guidance and was not considered by the Medical Technologies Advisory Committee when developing its recommendations.

The benefits of using the Spectra Optia system for automated red blood cell exchange as reported by the NHS staff involved in producing this resource include:

  • no iron loading leading to savings through use of less iron chelation therapy and fewer scans and tests to assess iron levels

  • faster procedure time than manual exchange

  • needed less often, and more effective at controlling sickle cell levels than both manual exchange and top‑up transfusion

  • reduced hospital admissions in people having automated exchange for recurrent painful crisis

  • high levels of reported satisfaction associated with better management of symptoms; this includes better quality of life for carers.


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