Leukocyte reduction filters (bed line) as an alternative source of leukodepleted Packed Red Cells (PRC)
Main Article Content
Keywords
Leucodepleted, Packed Red Cells, Leukoreduction, Blood Transfusion
Abstract
Background: Leukocyte contamination in blood components is associated with febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions, alloimmunization, and immunomodulation. Leukoreduction can be performed pre-storage or post-storage, yet universal leukodepletion increases operational cost. Identifying effective and feasible filtration methods is therefore critical, particularly for facilities supplying leukoreduced components only to high-risk patients. This study evaluates the effectiveness of bedside leukocyte-reduction filters as an alternative source of leukodepleted packed red cells (PRC-LD).
Methods: An analytical quantitative study was conducted from January to May 2025 using 43 fresh whole-blood donations processed into PRC units. All components were prepared via closed-system centrifugation, ABO/Rh typing, crossmatching, and transfusion-transmissible infection screening (HIV, HBsAg, HCV, syphilis). Leukoreduction was performed using RC2VAE bedside filters (Transmedic). Total leukocyte counts were measured before and after filtration using a Sysmex hematology analyzer (LoB 0.00×10³/µL; LoD 0.01×10³/µL; LoQ 0.03×10³/µL). Hemoglobin concentration and leukocyte counts were compared using paired statistical testing.
Results: Bedside filtration produced a marked leukocyte reduction in all PRC units. Mean pre-filter leukocyte count was 3.20 ± 1.19×10³/µL, decreasing to 0.03 ± 0.02×10³/µL post-filter (p < 0.05), achieving residual leukocyte levels <1×10⁶/unit in accordance with PMK No. 91/2015 and AABB standards. Hemoglobin levels showed no significant change before versus after filtration (14.63 ± 1.6 g/dL vs 13.68 ± 1.4 g/dL; p = 0.76), indicating minimal red-cell loss during the procedure. These findings confirm that bedside filters provide effective leukoreduction comparable to conventional pre-storage systems.
Conclusion: Leukocyte-reduction bedside filters significantly reduce leukocyte levels in PRC without compromising hemoglobin concentration, making them a viable alternative for producing leukodepleted blood components, particularly in settings where universal leukoreduction is not feasible.
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