leukoredukciót

Leukoredukciót, also known as leukoreduction, is a process used in the field of hematology and transfusion medicine to reduce the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in blood products. This procedure is crucial for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly viral infections, during blood transfusions. Leukoreduction is typically achieved through filtration techniques, where the blood is passed through a filter that removes the white blood cells while retaining the red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

The primary goal of leukoreduction is to minimize the risk of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), a serious complication that can occur when white blood cells are exposed to the air during the transfusion process. TRALI can lead to severe respiratory distress and even death. By reducing the number of white blood cells, the risk of TRALI is significantly lowered, making leukoreduction an essential step in the preparation of blood products for transfusion.

Leukoreduction can be performed using various methods, including centrifugal filtration and membrane filtration. Centrifugal filtration involves spinning the blood at high speeds to separate the components, while membrane filtration uses a porous membrane to filter out the white blood cells. Both methods are effective in achieving the desired reduction in white blood cell count.

The implementation of leukoreduction has led to a significant improvement in the safety of blood transfusions. It has become a standard practice in many hospitals and blood banks around the world, ensuring that patients receive safe and effective blood products. However, it is important to note that leukoreduction does not eliminate the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections entirely, as other pathogens, such as bacteria and parasites, can still be present in the blood products. Therefore, additional measures, such as screening and testing, are still necessary to ensure the safety of blood transfusions.