Filtering out the confusion about leukocyte-poor blood components.

During the past decade, intensive investigation into the adverse clinical potential of leukocytes in red cell and platelet products has been undertaken. Clinical data indicated several benefits associated with the delivery of leukocyte-depleted blood products. These benefits include a reduction in nonhemolytic febrile transfusion reactions, human leukocyte antigen alloimmunization, and viral transmission. In response to such findings, several procedures and devices have been designed to remove leukocytes from blood components.