Leukocytereducing

Leukocytereducing, also known as leukoreducing, is a process used in blood banking to reduce the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in blood products. This is particularly important for blood transfusions, as high levels of leukocytes can lead to fever, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), and other adverse reactions. The primary goal of leukocytereducing is to minimize these risks while maintaining the efficacy of the blood transfusion.

The process typically involves the use of leukocyte reduction filters, which are designed to selectively remove leukocytes from the blood. These filters can be either disposable or reusable, and they are often used in conjunction with other blood processing techniques, such as plasma separation and platelet concentration. The effectiveness of leukocytereducing filters is measured by their ability to reduce the leukocyte count to a level that is safe for transfusion.

Leukocytereducing is an essential step in the preparation of blood products for transfusion, as it helps to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment. It is particularly important for patients who are at high risk of adverse reactions to blood transfusions, such as those with a history of TRALI or other immune-mediated disorders. The use of leukocytereducing filters has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of transfusion-related adverse events, making it a valuable tool in the field of blood banking and transfusion medicine.