leukoreducing

Leukoreduction, also known as leukocyte reduction or white blood cell (WBC) reduction, is a process used primarily in the collection, processing, and storage of blood and blood components to remove or significantly reduce the number of white blood cells. This technique is employed to minimize potential adverse reactions in recipients and to extend the shelf life of blood products.

The procedure typically involves filtering blood or blood components through a specialized filter that traps and removes leukocytes. This can be done during the donation process (pre-storage leukoreduction) or after collection (post-storage leukoreduction). Leukoreduction is commonly applied to red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, though it is most frequently associated with red blood cell transfusions.

The primary reason for leukoreduction is to reduce the risk of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission. By removing leukocytes, the likelihood of immune-mediated reactions and infections is decreased. Additionally, leukoreduction may help prevent alloimmunization, where the recipient develops antibodies against donor white blood cells, which can complicate future transfusions.

Leukoreduction is a standard practice in many blood banks worldwide, particularly in countries with high transfusion volumes or where blood products are stored for extended periods. The process does not affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells or the clotting ability of platelets, ensuring that the functionality of these components remains intact. While leukoreduction is generally safe and well-tolerated, it may slightly reduce the yield of certain blood components due to the removal of some plasma along with the leukocytes.

The use of leukoreduced blood products has been shown to improve patient outcomes by reducing transfusion-related complications, making it an important step in modern transfusion medicine.