[Microaggregates in preserved blood].

Today it is generally accepted that microaggregates contained in stored blood may be deleterious to the pulmonary circulation if large volumes of blood are transfused. These microaggregates can be eliminated from blood with the help of microaggregate filters. Such filters are expensive and their efficiency and safety has not been tested thoroughly as yet. Alternatively, the use of microaggregate-free blood is advocated to prevent pulmonary complications in massively transfused patients. Fresh blood, fresh frozen plasma and buffy-coat free red cell concentrates do not contain significant numbers of microaggregates and can be used for massive transfusion without microaggregate filtration.