Temperature dependence of leukocyte depletion of blood with an automatic blood cell processor

The proportion of leukocytes removed by a cell processor in the provision of leukocyte-depleted blood was found to be dependent on temperature. If both blood and washing saline were at room temperature, more leukocytes were removed than if either the blood or the saline or both were at 4 degrees C. Room temperature processing provides an optimal product for the recipient who requires leukocyte-depleted blood.