What is the preferred method for leukocyte reduction in red blood cell transfusions?

The preferred method for leukocyte reduction in red blood cell transfusions is to transfuse through a Log^3 leukocyte-removing filter. This approach effectively reduces the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood product, minimizing the risk of transfusion-related reactions, including febrile non-hemolytic reactions and the transmission of certain infections.

Using a leukocyte-removing filter that achieves a Log^3 reduction can remove over 99.9% of leukocytes, significantly improving patient safety. This method is both efficient and practical, as it can be applied directly during the transfusion process without requiring any modification to the blood product itself prior to the transfusion.

Other methods, while they may contribute to leukocyte reduction, do not offer the same level of efficacy or practicality. For instance, crossmatching only CMV-seronegative units focuses primarily on reducing cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission but does not address the overall leukocyte content effectively. Irradiating the unit with 1,500 rads is a practice aimed at preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) rather than specifically reducing leukocyte levels. Washing the unit with saline prior to infusion can remove some leukocytes but often results in