leukoreduced red blood cells

Leukoreduced red blood cells are a type of packed red blood cell product from which the vast majority of white blood cells (leukocytes) have been removed, typically by filtration or apheresis. This process retains at least 85% of the original red cell content and reduces residual white cell count to less than 5 x 10^6 per unit in the United States (1 x 10^6 in Europe)[5][8]. The primary indications for transfusing leukoreduced RBCs include prevention of alloimmunization to foreign HLA antigens, reduction in febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, and decreased risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission—especially important for immunocompromised or pregnant patients[1][2][4][6]. Leukoreduction may also help reduce other complications such as platelet refractoriness and possibly transfusion-related immunomodulation. However, it does not prevent all risks; for example, irradiation is still required to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease[6][10]. Leukoreduction is now standard practice in many countries.

Other names

leukocyte-reduced red blood cellsLRBCsred blood cells leukocytes reduced