Leukocyte-poor blood components: issues and indications

Leukocyte-poor blood components (LPBC) have now become part of the armamentarium of available transfusable blood components. Indications for the use of LPBC vary in accordance with the underlying clinical condition, as well as the intended objectives of the transfusion therapy. Technological advances have made it possible to prepare LPBC using rather simple procedures. However, any manipulation of blood components and the additional use of filters, washing, rinsing solutions, etc. inevitably result in additional costs to the patient, the health-care institution, or third-party payers. Requests for LPBC involve the preparation of RBC or platelets, leuko-depleted by at least one log. Transfusion of LPBC must be done in a logical fashion that meets the needs of the patient. Currently, LPBC is indicated for patients with a history of nonhemolytic febrile transfusion reactions to delay alloimmunization to HLA antigens and avoidance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.