RED-CELLS AND PLATELETS - MODIFICATIONS FOR SPECIAL PATIENTS

Blood components are modified to meet the clinical requirements of spe cific patient populations. The clinical indications for some well-esta blished components have narrowed with the development of new technolog y. Leukoreduced blood components are being considered for a variety of clinical applications. Published data support the use of leukoreduced components to prevent febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. The routine use of such components for other indications should be consid ered experimental, and the cost effectiveness of experimentally valida ted indications should be evaluated.