buffy coat-derived granulocyte transfusion

Buffy coat-derived granulocyte transfusion is a blood component therapy used to treat or prevent life-threatening infections in patients with severe, prolonged neutropenia, such as those undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Unlike apheresis-derived granulocytes, which are collected from a single donor using a cell separator, buffy coat-derived granulocytes are prepared from the buffy coat layer of standard whole blood donations. Each unit typically contains a lower dose of granulocytes (approximately 1 x 10⁹ per bag) compared to apheresis units, often requiring multiple units to achieve a therapeutic dose. The therapy aims to provide functional neutrophils to bridge the period of marrow aplasia, thereby reducing the incidence of severe bacterial and fungal infections.

Other names

buffy coat granulocytesgranulocyte transfusionBC-GTprophylactic granulocyte transfusion