It was discovered in the 1950s that leukocytes present in blood sensitize transfusion recipients, resulting in Nonhemolytic FebrileTransfusion Reaction (NHFTR). Since then, allogeneic leukocytes in various blood components have been shown to be involved in a number of adverse responses in recipients.

The following table shows the relationship between the number of residual leukocytes and adverse reactions. Side effects can be avoided if residual leukocytes are reduced to around 10⁶, which most researchers currently agree is the target.

Filtration is the best method

Methods of leukocyte reduction include centrifugation, washing, freezing, buffy coat removal and filtration. Efficiency varies in each method.
Sepacell filters apply selective filtration technology combining depth and adsorption filtration to achieve the highest efficiency. Depth filters are usually composed of densely packed fibers to remove particles, either by adherence or absorption onto the fibers, or by entrapment between fibers as particles pass through the filter.
Adsorption filters utilize the properties of white blood cells, which selectively adhere to filter fibers.
The following table summarizes Sepacell filter efficiency.

RZ-200 Performance Summary >>

RZ-500 Performance Summary >>

PLX-5 Performance Summary >>

PLX-10 Performance Summary >>

When is leukocyte reduced blood transfusion recommended?

Leukocyte-free blood transfusion is recommended in:
Thalassemia major
Aplastic anemia
Sickle cell anemia
Leukemia
Transfusion-transmitted infection
Patients awaiting organ transplantation
Prevention of platelet refractoriness in thrombocytopenia
Multiply or chronically transfused patients

Sepacell features

High leukocyte reduction rate
Optimal performance at the bedside or in the laboratory
High red cell recovery (R series filters)
High platelet recovery (PL series filters)
Easy to use
Prefiltration reduces blockages and maintains flow rates
Configurations available for a variety of needs