Leukoreduction
Leukoreduction is the reduction of white blood cells or leukocytes from the blood or blood components being transfused to the recipient.
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Reasoning
- Donor WBCs can attack the recipient's tissues.
- WBCs can carry pathogens.
Pros
Reduces risks of fever, shaking chills, immunization to white cell, platelet and perhaps red cell antigens, reduces risk of infection with cytomegalovirus. Also reduces the risks of post-operative bacterial infections, multi-organ failure and death for some surgical operations requiring transfusions.
Some studies suggest overall cost savings in transfused surgical patients.
Cons
- Loss of valuable blood components.
- Costs
Timeline
Universal leukoreduction is currently not available in most countries.
As of 2005, most developed nations have adopted universal leukoreduction of transfusions with the notable exception of the United States. Canada, Britain and France adopted universal leukoreduction in the late 1990s.