- 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.