EFFECTS OF 3-5LOG(10) PRESTORAGE LEUKOCYTE DEPLETION ON RED-CELL STORAGE AND METABOLISM

A new, in-line high-efficiency 3-5 log(10) leucodepletion filter syste m (Leukotrap(R) RC system) was used to investigate the effect of pre-s torage white cell removal on the quality of AS-3 red cell concentrates stored for 42 d at 4 degrees C. Median residual white cell content wa s 4 x 10(5) when filtration was performed at 22 degrees C within 8 h o f phlebotomy (n = 20) and 3.2 x 10(4) when filtration was performed at 4 degrees C 12-24h after phlebotomy (n = 24). None exceeded 1 x 10(6) WBC per red cell product. Filtration was rapid (median 28 min), and r ed cell loss averaged (mean +/- 1 SD) 6.4 +/- 0.7%. In a paired study design, posttransfusion recoveries of 42 d stored red cells in the fil tered units averaged 84 +/- 6% v 82 +/- 8% for unfiltered units (P < 0 .05) and post-storage haemolysis, ATP, osmotic fragility, K+ and pH we re significantly (P < 0.05) better in the filtered units. Reduced glyc olytic activity was also observed in the filtered units, and there was a correlation between osmotic fragility, glucose consumption, and lac tate produced in standard units was not present in leucodepleted units . In conclusion, this study suggests that leucodepletion of AS-3 red c ell concentrates prior to storage results in better maintenance of the integrity of the red cell membrane with reduced glycolytic activity. There was a modest improvement in post-infusion viability sufficient t o offset the filtration-induced loss and to result in an equivalent re d cell product.