A Chabanel1, G Andreu, F Carrat, P Hervé. 1. French National Blood Service, Paris, France Paris VII University, Paris, France. anne.chabanel@efs.sante.fr
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since 1 April 1998, all cellular blood components in France have been leucoreduced. The current French standard is < 1 x 10(6) white blood cells (WBC) per unit with a 95% confidence that at least 97% of units will meet this standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quality control (QC) data for leucoreduced cellular blood components were collected from the 41 French blood centres over a 5-month period. Conformance to the standard was determined using a non-parametric approach. RESULTS: More than 98% of the 15 286 red cell concentrates and of the 2895 platelet concentrates tested had < 1 x 10(6) WBC per unit. One filtration device gave unsatisfactory results and its use was discontinued. CONCLUSION: This QC survey shows an overall compliance with the standard. The data illustrate the practical value of identifying devices or centres with consistent QC problems.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since 1 April 1998, all cellular blood components in France have been leucoreduced. The current French standard is < 1 x 10(6) white blood cells (WBC) per unit with a 95% confidence that at least 97% of units will meet this standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quality control (QC) data for leucoreduced cellular blood components were collected from the 41 French blood centres over a 5-month period. Conformance to the standard was determined using a non-parametric approach. RESULTS: More than 98% of the 15 286 red cell concentrates and of the 2895 platelet concentrates tested had < 1 x 10(6) WBC per unit. One filtration device gave unsatisfactory results and its use was discontinued. CONCLUSION: This QC survey shows an overall compliance with the standard. The data illustrate the practical value of identifying devices or centres with consistent QC problems.