• Collected as Whole Blood and separated from the plasma through centrifugation, or collected by apheresis methods (using ACD-A anticoagulant)
• Typically shelf-life is extended by preservation in an additive solution: AS-1, AS-3 or AS-5
• Hematocrit: 55 – 65%
• Volume: 300 – 400ml
• Shelf-life: 42 days

Modifications:

Leukocyte Reduction

• WBCs are removed from either the Whole Blood or the RBC by filtration
• To be labeled leuko-reduced, must contain < 5.0 x 10e6 WBC
• Other cellular components are retained in the filter
• Approved filters result in a minimum 85% of original RBC volume

Irradiation

• Exposed to 15 to 25 Gy
• Prevents Transfusion Associated-Graft versus Host Disease
• Prevents proliferation of T-lymphocytes (even in Leukoctye Reduced components)
• Does damage RBC membrane
• Shortens shelf-life to 28 days

Special Testing Attributes:

CMV-negative

• Cytomegalovirus is an intracellular virus
• Can be removed through leukocyte reduction filters (sometimes called CMV-safe)
• Donors can be tested for antibodies to CMV
• If no antibodies, those products can be labeled as CMV-negative

Antigen-negative

• RBC membranes contain sugars and proteins that differ among individuals
•  These sugars and proteins can be antigenic and persons can produce antibodies when exposed to ‘foreign’ RBCs
• RBCs may need to be negative for a specific antigen in order to ensure transfusion compatibility

If you are interested in discussing your blood procurement or provision needs with BCA, please contact Gena Swisher.