• 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.