There is more than the standard preparations of plasma, platelets, and PRBCs in the blood bank. Certain patients will require these specialized preparations when a transfusion is required. Here are three to know:

• Leukoreduced (PRBCs are run through a filter to reduce the total WBC burden)
  • Most of the blood in USA is leukoreduced
  • Should be requested for pre-transplant patients and patients who previously experienced febrile non-hemolytic reactions
• Irradiated PRBCs (radiation incapacitates donor WBCs)
  • Irradiation prevents the fatal transfusion-associated graft versus host disease, which occurs in patients who are severely immunosuppressed or who are closely related to the blood product donors.
• Washed RBCs/platelets (washing removes plasma, cell fragments and excess potassium)
  • Washed cells are used for neonates/pediatric patients due to sensitivity to potassium in normal products; in adults, it is used for patients with prior allergic reactions to blood products or IgA deficiency

References

Follow me on Twitter (@criticalcarenow)