Leukocyte transfusion and the development of the continuous-flow blood cell separator.

The treatment of anemia and thrombocytopenia with allogeneic cell transfusions is an effective and well-developed technology. However, leukocyte replacement transfusion has been frustrated by the physiology of the leukocytes. To achieve effective leukocyte replacement, the continuous-flow centrifugal blood cell separator was developed, and it soon proved to be an important instrument for separation, collection, and transfusion of all the components of the blood. Thus, the continuous-flow centrifugal blood cell separator has become an important instrument in the science of blood collection and transfusion.