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Published on: May 7, 2012
Local versus regional procurement and distribution of granulocytes
Insights
Discontinuous flow centrifugation (DFC) granulocytes showed reduced function after 24-hour storage. Local, rapid transfusion of continuous flow centrifugation (CFC) granulocytes is recommended for optimal therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Granulocyte transfusions are used to treat severe neutropenia.
- Different centrifugation methods (DFC and CFC) are used for granulocyte collection.
- Storage duration impacts granulocyte function and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the functional capacity of granulocytes collected via DFC and CFC.
- To evaluate the impact of storage time on granulocyte function.
- To determine optimal strategies for granulocyte procurement and transfusion.
Main Methods:
- Granulocyte concentrates were collected using DFC (stored 24h) and CFC (rapid transfusion).
- Functional assays included bactericidal capacity, chemiluminescence, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, chemotaxis, and random mobility.
- Granulocyte kinetics were assessed using DF32P labeling and skin window tests.
Main Results:
- DFC granulocytes exhibited significantly reduced in vitro function (bactericidal capacity, NBT reduction, chemotaxis, mobility) after 24 hours.
- Despite in vitro deficits, DFC granulocytes retained the ability to circulate and migrate into tissues.
- CFC granulocytes, transfused rapidly, maintained better functional integrity.
Conclusions:
- Storage significantly impairs granulocyte function, particularly for DFC-collected cells.
- Rapid local procurement or transportation is crucial for transfusing functional granulocytes.
- Development of effective granulocyte preservation techniques is needed.
Abstract:
Granulocyte concentrates obtained by discontinuous flow centrifugation (DFC) and continuous flow centrifugation (CFC) were studied. The DFC granulocytes were obtained from a regional center and stored for 24 hours prior to transfusion. The CFC granulocytes were obtained locally and transfused within a few hours. Even at 24 hours, DFC granulocytes had significantly reduced bactericidal capacity, chemiluminescence, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, chemotaxis and random mobility. Granulocyte kinetics utilizing DF32P and skin windows demonstrated the ability of DFC granulocytes to circulate and migrate into the tissues despite the in vitro abnormalities. Until effective storage techniques for granulocyte preservation became available, rapid transportation and processing from regional centers or local procurement of granulocytes is necessary to transfuse functional granulocytes.
