The preparation of leukocyte-poor red cells for transfusion by a simple cost-effective technique.

A modification of the microaggregate filtration technique for the production of leukocyte-poor red cell concentrate is described. The modified technique, termed 'spin, cool, and filter', removed leukocytes more efficiently from relatively fresh blood than the original microaggregate filtration procedure. The residual leukocyte content of 4- to 9-day-old units processed by the modified procedure averaged less than 0.4 X 10(9) white cells per unit. The microaggregate filtration technique, supplemented by buffy-coat exclusion, removed more than 93 percent of the units' white cells. These red cell products were prepared easily and did not elicit febrile reactions in highly susceptible patients.