EXPERIMENTAL 6 LOG10 WHITE CELL-REDUCTION FILTERS FOR RED-CELLS

White cell (WBC) reduction of blood components has been receiving increased attention as a way of reducing transfusion-related complications such as WBC-associated HLA alloimmunization and transmission of cell-associated viral diseases. Currently available filters are limited to removing approximately 3 log10 (99.9%) of WBCs from red cells (RBCs). The performance of two experimental filters that were designed to remove 6 log10 WBCs from fresh RBCs during component preparation was evaluated. Both filters were able to meet this objective in less than 40 minutes with RBC losses of < 15 percent under nonoptimized conditions. Filtered RBCs showed storage parameters within the normal range over a 42-day period. The use of these filters, if combined with a sterile docking device or if incorporated into a collection set, should provide the means to supply highly WBC-reduced RBCs with a normal shelf life.