To reduce the risk of febrile transfusion reactions, which RBC product should be transfused?

Leukocyte-reduced red blood cells are specifically designed to decrease the likelihood of febrile transfusion reactions, which are often caused by the presence of white blood cells or their byproducts in the transfused product. By removing leukocytes from the red blood cell product, the risk of recipients developing febrile reactions due to immune response is minimized. This process also helps reduce the chances of transmission of certain infections.

While other options may provide benefits, such as preventing viral transmission or managing specific immunological concerns, they do not directly target the mechanism that leads to febrile reactions in the same way that leukocyte reduction does. Thus, leukocyte-reduced red blood cells are the preferred choice for minimizing this type of transfusion reaction.