washed red blood cells

Washed red blood cells are a specialized blood component used in transfusion medicine where standard red blood cells undergo a washing process to remove plasma proteins, antibodies, electrolytes, and other potential allergens before transfusion. This modification is primarily used for patients who have experienced severe allergic reactions to standard blood transfusions. The washing process involves separating red blood cells from whole blood, then washing them several times with a compatible solution (typically sterile 0.9% sodium chloride/normal saline) to remove 98-99% of plasma constituents. After washing, the cells are resuspended in saline, saline with glucose, or an additive solution before transfusion.

Other names

point-of-care washed red blood cellswashed RBCsleukocyte-reduced washed red blood cells