Filtration of debris from banked blood

Commercially available filters will effectively remove microaggregates from stored blood. The combined results of screen filtration pressure (SFP), debris weight, and particle size analysis offer a reproducible means of evaluating different filters. The effectiveness of three blood filters (Fenwal, Bentley, and Pall) is evaluated using SFP, debris weight measurement, particle size analysis, and determinations of filter capacity. Of the filters studied the Fenwal filter provides the most efficient means of removing debris while maintaining adquate flow rates for relatively large volumes of blood. The filter appears comparable to the Swank filter in overall effectiveness and flow characteristics.