Polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filter: filtration characteristics

Stored human blood of varying age was passed through polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filters. Passage through these filters resulted in decreased screen filtration pressure (SFP) of the blood and increased filter weights. Numerous microaggregates were removed and SFP returned to normal after filtration. Occlusion of the filter occurred after passage of only 2 units of whole blood. On the basis of this research, we conclude that polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filters are effective in removal of microaggregates from stored human blood. Because the filtering capacity is not great, it is recommended that when these filters are used during transfusion a new filter be used for each unit of blood administered.