Leukoreduction

Issue
Leukoreduction removes potentially harmful white blood cells which increase the risk of transfusion reactions and post-operative infection. The harmful cells carry certain transmissible viruses (such as cytomegalovirus) and cause the body to produce antibodies against blood components. The American Red Cross recommends leukoreduced blood products over non-leukoreduced and believes they may contribute to better outcomes in many patient populations.

Facts
The Red Cross took the lead in implementing universal leukoreduction in 1999 after a recommendation by the Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) to the FDA that the United States move to universal leukoreduction. The Red Cross continues to believe leukoreduced red blood cells may contribute to improved outcomes in many patient groups. However, the organization is responding to customer requests to allow treating physicians to make the choice of products to be used for their patients, especially when there is a significant cost differential.

The Red Cross has decided to offer hospital customers a choice of leukoreduced and non-leukoreduced products. This decision is in response to several factors:

• Requests from some hospitals to allow physicians to decide which patients need leukoreduced products.
• Lack of definitive clinical evidence that leukoreduced products are necessary for all patient populations.
• Absence of regulatory action by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require leukoreduction.

The Red Cross will continue to collect, monitor and analyze data and adjust its policies and actions according to the best scientific evidence available at the time. As always, the top priority of the American Red Cross is ensuring the safety and availability of the nation’s blood supply.

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