Efficacy of 2 different leukocyte filters for erythrocyte concentrates

By leukocyte reduction in red blood cell concentrates to < 5 x 10(6) leukocytes per transfused unit, febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction as well as alloimmunization and transmission of certain viral diseases (CMV, HTLV-1) can be prevented. Using a Nageotte hemocytometer with a large-volume chamber, the residual leukocyte number after filtration of 40 buffy-coat free red blood cell units with the filters Pall RC100 and Sepacell R500 B1 was determined in a clinical routine setting. Both tested filters underscored the limit (< 5 x 10(6) leukocytes per unit) set by the American Association of Blood Banks. Hemoglobin loss accounted for 8.9 g (Pall RC100) versus 7.7 g (Sepacell R500 B1), which is about 15-18% of the hemoglobin content of a red blood cell concentrate.