WBC filtration of whole blood after prolonged storage at ambient temperature by use of an in-line filter collection system.

BACKGROUND Before-storage WBC reduction by filtration appears to be an effective way to prevent transfusion-associated complications. It also has superiority over WBC reduction at the time of transfusion (bedside), due to the many variables associated with such practice and the difficulty in performing adequate quality control. To determine the adaptability of collection systems containing in-line filters to the current blood collection strategy, the feasibility, efficiency, and quality of before-storage WBC reduction of whole blood (WB) units were evaluated, following their prolonged storage at ambient temperature prior to component preparation, by use of an integral in-line filter. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Blood was collected from random donors into quadruple blood pack units with an integral in-line filter and divided into three groups, according to storage conditions. WBC reduction was performed at room temperature, on WB units after storage at ambient temperature either for less than 8 or up to 18 hours on 1,4-butanediol cooling trays or for 18 hours in the cold. RESULTS All the filtration procedures met the AABB threshold of less than 5 x 10(6) residual WBCs per unit and the European requirements for WBC counts of less than 1 x 10(6) WBCs per unit. The average filtration time was less than 22 minutes in all units studied. Filtration time and blood flow rate were both significantly longer, and RBC loss was significantly higher in WB units that were filtered after prolonged storage in the cold. CONCLUSIONS Adequate before-storage WBC reduction can be achieved when performed on WB units, which were stored at ambient temperature for 18 hours, by use of an in-line filtration system. The procedure, performed under relatively simple logistics, results in good-quality, standard components, which require no further modifications when supplied to the transfusion services.