Preparation of leukocyte-poor platelet concentrates for transfusion by filtration through a new cellulose acetate filter

The preparation of leukocyte-poor platelet concentrates using a new cellulose acetate filter was evaluated. The platelet loss was 9% when freshly prepared platelet concentrates were filtered. The platelet loss was more variable and about 16% (p less than 0.05) when 5 day old platelets were filtered. The leukocyte removal was not influenced by storage time. The mean absolute number of leukocytes was about 1 x 10(7) and 3 x 10(7) for freshly prepared or 5 day old platelet concentrates, respectively (p less than 0.05). The leukocyte-poor platelet concentrate prepared by the described filtration procedure may be used as a blood component in transfusion therapy to prevent or delay platelet alloimmunization.