Evaluation of a Red Cell Leukofilter Performance and Effect of Buffy Coat Removal on Filtration Efficiency and Post Filtration Storage

Abstract

Prestorage leukoreduction of red cells is effective in reducing the incidence of HLA alloimmunization and improving the quality of stored packed red blood cells (PRBC). This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Imugard III-RC 4P in removing the leukocyte from packed red cells and the storage effects thereafter. The effects of buffy coat removal on the efficiency of leukofiltration, storage parameters of leukofiltered packed red blood cells and feasibility of prestorage leukofiltration were also assessed. Sixteen units each of buffy coat-depleted (LP) and nondepleted (NLP) PRBC were taken. Every unit was divided into two equal halves, one leukofiltered and other, non-leukofiltered. Cell counts, volume, hematocrit and hemoglobin were measured before and after

Characteristics of Extracellular Vesicles in Red Blood Concentrates Change with Storage Time and Blood Manufacturing Method

“…For instance, in WBF RCCs, filtration occurs before centrifugation and component separation while in RCF RCCs, leukoreduction occurs after these processes. Taking into account that leukoreduction removes not only leukocytes but also platelets and platelet-derived EVs from RCCs [53], and the buffy-coat removal improves the efficacy of pre-storage leukoreduction [54], it would be logical to predict that the lower EV count in RCF RCCs in comparison to WBF RCCs (fig. 1) may be, at least, due to the leukoreduction process.…”

Buffy coat (top/bottom)‐ and whole‐blood filtration (top/top)‐produced red cell concentrates differ in size of extracellular vesicles

“…The WBF method has the unseparated components (whole blood) undergo in-line leucocyte filtration, whereas the BC method removes most white blood cells, platelets and plasma (through centrifugation) prior to leucoreduction. The BC procedure 'cleans up' the red blood cell fraction Correspondence: Jason P. Acker, 8249 114 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R8, Canada E-mail: Jason.acker@blood.ca to be filtered, which is claimed to improve the effectiveness of the leucocyte reduction [3].…”

Effect of Leukoreduction on Hematobiochemical Parameters and Storage Hemolysis in Canine Whole Blood Units

“…The interest in leukocyte-depleted whole blood and packed red blood cell transfusion has increased in recent years in order to minimize the risk in the transfusion recipient. In the human field, it has been established that the removal of buffy coat from the whole blood allows the elimination of about 70% of the WBCs, and it seems to be sufficient in preventing febrile transfusion reactions due to blood transfusion but not to prevent a possible alloimmunization secondary to the human leukocyte antigen system (HLA) [ 41 ]. Filtration has recently emerged as the most commonly used method of leukocyte depletion.…”

“…Leukocyte reduction by means of filtration can be performed before and after storage. Prestorage leukofiltration offers additional benefits, avoiding the potential of reaction and alloimmunization compared to leukocyte removal during or after the storage period [ 41 ]. Particularly, HLA antigens may solubilize from leukocyte membranes during storage, passing through the filter used after storage and immunizing the recipient [ 41 , 42 , 43 ]; cytokines released from leukocytes during storage may cause febrile reactions in transfusion recipients [ 44 , 45 ] and the release of leukocyte enzymes during storage may alter RBC metabolism and reduce their half-life [ 41 , 46 ].…”