Comparative Study of Predeposit and Bedside Leucodepletion Filters

Removal of leucocytes from cellular blood components is associated with reduction of several transfusion associated adverse reactions.

A total of 400 units of packed red blood cells (RBCs) were subjected to leucodepletion at room temperature and 4°C using different commercially available prestorage and bedside filters (Terumo Penpol Immugard III and Pall Medical BPF-4). Pre-filtration and post-filtration parameters were compared to assess the efficacy of prestorage leucodepletion vis-à-vis bedside leucodepletion and the requirement of universal leucodepletion.

Mean post-filtration red cell recovery ranged from 88.49-93.49% with all bags showing more than 85% red cell recovery. Mean post-filtration residual leucocyte count ranged from 0.205 × 10(6)-0.338 × 10(6)/bag with all bags showing more than log 3 leucoreduction. Prestorage leucoreduction achieved by the polyurethane filter was better than that achieved by the polyester filter. Red cell recovery with the bedside filters at room temperature was significantly less than that with prestorage filters at either temperature.

This study suggests that prestorage leucoreduction is preferable over bedside leucoreduction and that polyurethane filters are better than polyester filters since leucodepletion achieved with the former is higher. We recommend selective log 3 leucodepletion using polyurethane prestorage filters for patients with specific indications.