Red cells
This component is obtained by removing most of the plasma after centrifuging whole blood collected into anticoagulant.
Red cells are filtered to remove most leucocytes and may be resuspended in other additives to prolong storage.
A red cell unit is divided into four packs of equal volume to create Red cells Paediatric Leucocyte Depleted. This is to reduce donor exposure for small paediatric transfusions and to minimise product wastage.
Red cells Washed Leucocyte Depleted components are washed with 0.9% sterile isotonic saline to remove the majority of plasma proteins, antibodies and electrolytes. The washed red cells are then resuspended in additive solution.
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Specifications of Red Cells |
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Red cells Leucocyte Depleted |
Red cells Paediatric Leucocyte Depleted |
Red cells Washed Leucocyte Depleted |
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| Volume |
> 200 mL |
25–100 mL |
> 130 mL |
| Haemoglobin | > 40 g/unit | > 37 g/unit | |
| Haematocrit | 0.50–0.70 | 0.50–0.70 | 0.50–0.70 |
| Haemolysis (at expiry) | < 0.8% | < 0.8% | < 0.8% |
| Leucocyte count | < 1 x 106 per unit | < 1 x 106 per unit | < 1 x 106 per unit |
| Last wash supernatant total protein | < 0.5 g/unit | ||
Availability
Adult leucodepleted red cells are available in Group O, A, B and AB, and Rh(D)-positive and Rh(D)-negative groups.
Paediatric and washed leucodepleted red cells must be requested in advance.
Modifications
Red cells can be phenotyped, CMV-seronegative and irradiated.
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