irradiated red blood cells

Irradiated red blood cells are a modified blood product in which standard donor red cell units are exposed to ionizing radiation (typically gamma rays or X-rays) to prevent the proliferation of viable T lymphocytes. This process is performed to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD), a rare but often fatal complication of transfusion caused by donor lymphocytes engrafting and attacking recipient tissues. The irradiation process inactivates T lymphocytes while preserving the function and viability of the red blood cells for transfusion. Indications for use include patients at high risk for TA-GVHD, such as those receiving transfusions from relatives, hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, neonates undergoing intrauterine or exchange transfusions, patients with severe congenital T-cell immunodeficiency syndromes, and individuals treated with certain immunosuppressive therapies[1][2][3][5][6][7][8]. Irradiation does not affect dosing compared to non-irradiated products but shortens shelf life post-irradiation due to increased cellular damage[3][8].

Other names

irradiated RBCsirradiated packed red blood cells