A MATHEMATICAL-MODEL FOR THE LEUKOCYTE FILTRATION PROCESS

Leukocyte filters are applied clinically to remove leukocytes from blo od. In order to optimize leukocyte filters, a mathematical model to de scribe the leukocyte filtration process was developed by modification of a general theoretical model for depth filtration. The model present ed here can be used to predict the time-dependent leukocyte filtration as a function of cell-cell interaction in the filter, filter efficien cy, filter capacity, filter dimensions, and leukocyte concentration in the suspension applied to the filter. The results of different leukoc yte filtration experiments previously reported in the literature could be well described by the present model. (C) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, I nc.