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Methods for measuring a 6 log10 white cell depletion in red cells
B J Sadoff1, D C Dooley, V Kapoor
1Jerome H. Holland Laboratory for the Biomedical Sciences, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland.
Transfusion
|February 1, 1991
Summary
This study presents a simple, inexpensive method to count very low white blood cell (WBC) concentrations in red blood cell (RBC) units. The technique achieves high WBC depletion, ensuring accurate enumeration for transfusion safety.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Cellular Analysis
Background:
- Accurate enumeration of white blood cells (WBCs) in red blood cell (RBC) products is crucial for transfusion safety.
- Existing methods may lack sensitivity for detecting very low WBC concentrations post-processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a methodology for enumerating extremely low concentrations of WBCs in RBC units.
- To establish a reliable method for quantifying WBC depletion in RBC products.
Main Methods:
- A novel method for harvesting and concentrating WBCs from large-volume RBC units (300-350 mL) to a small volume (0.5-1.0 mL).
- Two distinct cell counting techniques: fluorescence hemocytometer and a modified cytospin method.
- Parallel processing of multiple RBC units within a 3-hour timeframe.
Main Results:
- The methodology can accurately measure as few as 1000 WBCs per RBC unit, achieving over 6 log10 WBC depletion.
- Sensitivity limits of the counting techniques were found to be 800 WBC/unit and 200 WBC/unit.
- The entire WBC separation and concentration process is completed in under 3 hours.
Conclusions:
- The presented harvesting and counting techniques offer a simple, cost-effective solution for quantifying low WBC levels in RBCs.
- This methodology enables precise measurement of WBC depletion, enhancing the safety of blood products.