Abstract:
Background: Leukocyte-depleted blood components are widely used to reduce transfusionrelated adverse reactions associated with residual leukocytes. When a new blood bag system is introduced into routine practice, evaluation of the quality of the resulting blood components is necessary to ensure compliance with the National Standards Criteria.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate leukocyte-depleted blood components, including leukocyte-depleted packed red cells in additive solution (LDPRC) and leukocyte-depleted fresh frozen plasma (LDFFP), prepared using a citrate phosphate dextrose/saline adenine glucose- mannitol (CPD/SAG-M) quadruple blood bag with an integrated leukocyte filter, and to evaluate the blood components quality according to the National Standards Criteria.
Materials and Methods:This descriptive evaluation study was conducted at the Blood Bank, Division of Clinical Pathology Mae Fah Luang University Medical Center Hospital. Whole blood was collected using CPD/SAG-M quadruple blood bags with an integrated leukocyte filter and processed into LDPRC and LDFFP. Evaluation was done in accordance with the National Standards Criteria for approval of validation of blood component characteristic, including component volume, hemoglobin content, residual white blood cell (rWBC) count,
and hemolysis during storage. Residual WBC enumeration was performed using an automated hematology analyzer in body fluid mode based on flow cytometric principles.
Results:All LDPRC units met the criteria for residual leukocyte content and other parameters throughout the storage period. Hemolysis remained within specified limits up to 42 days of storage. LDFFP units also complied with the criteria. Analysis of factor VIII activity is currently in progress.
Conclusions:Leukocyte-depleted blood components prepared using the evaluated CPD/SAG-M quadruple blood bag with an integrated leukocyte filter met the National Standards Criteria, supporting the suitability of this system for routine blood component preparation in a hospital-based blood bank.
