What is the primary reason for irradiating blood products before transfusion?

Irradiating blood products before transfusion serves a critical purpose in reducing the risk of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GvHD). This disease occurs when transfused immunocompetent lymphocytes in a donor's blood product attack the recipient's tissues, especially in immunocompromised patients. The irradiation process effectively inactivates these T lymphocytes, thereby eliminating their potential to mount an immune response against the recipient's cells.

It is especially important for patients who are at higher risk for TA-GvHD, such as those with certain hematological disorders, those undergoing bone marrow transplantation, or individuals who are immunosuppressed due to treatment for cancer or other diseases. By ensuring that the donor lymphocytes are inactivated, irradiating blood products significantly improves patient safety during transfusions.

While improving the shelf life of blood products, preventing febrile reactions, and ensuring compatibility play important roles in blood transfusion practices, they are not the primary reason for the specific process of irradiation. The unique capability of irradiation to protect vulnerable patients from TA-GvHD underscores its importance in clinical transfusion protocols.