Removal of white cells from red cells by transfusion through a new filter

• Published in: Transfusion (Philadelphia, Pa.) Vol. 30; no. 1; p. 30
• Main Authors: Sirchia, G, Wenz, B, Rebulla, P, Parravicini, A, Carnelli, V, Bertolini, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.1990
• Subjects: Blood Transfusion; Cell Separation - methods; Erythrocyte Transfusion; Filtration - instrumentation; Humans; Leukocytes; Thalassemia - therapy
• ISSN: 0041-1132
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1990.30190117625.x

The effectiveness of a new filter (RC100) for the preparation of white cell-depleted red cells (RBCs) at the bedside was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using three RBC products: standard RBC concentrate (CPDA units), RBCs suspended in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol additive solution after the removal of plasma (SAGM units), and RBCs suspended in SAGM after the removal of plasma and buffy coat (SAGM-BC units). Median RBC recovery was at least 92 percent when 2 units were administered through one filter; median values for residual white cells and platelets were less than or equal to 20 x 10(6) and less than or equal to 2.5 x 10(9) per 2 units, respectively. The in vivo study was carried out in 80 multiply transfused patients with thalassemia, 35 of whom had experienced frequent nonhemolytic transfusion reactions when given standard or buffy coat-free RBCs. During the 6-month study, each patient was given two transfusions of each type of RBC product One febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction occurred in each of two patients receiving SAGM-BC units, but in no other case. If the flow rate is not reduced, the median transfusion time is 35 minutes per CPDA unit and 15 minutes per SAGM and SAGM-BC unit. It is concluded that the transfusion of RBCs through the RC100 is a simple and effective procedure to administer white cell-depleted RBCs prepared at the bedside.