Which blood component is recommended to prevent HLA alloimmunization in recipients?

Leukocyte-reduced red blood cells are recommended to prevent HLA alloimmunization in recipients because the process of leukocyte reduction removes most of the white blood cells, including lymphocytes, from the red blood cell product. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are proteins found on the surface of white blood cells that can trigger an immune response if introduced into a non-matching recipient. When a recipient is exposed to these antigens from donor leukocytes, it can lead to the development of antibodies against the HLA, complicating future transfusions or transplant procedures.

By using leukocyte-reduced blood components, the risk of HLA sensitization is significantly lowered, which is particularly important for patients who may require multiple transfusions, such as those with certain hematological conditions or those undergoing organ transplantation. This practice helps ensure better outcomes in transfusion medicine by reducing the likelihood of adverse immunological reactions.

Other blood components, such as granulocytes or non-leukocyte-reduced red blood cells, do not offer the same protective benefit against HLA alloimmunization and, in fact, could potentially increase it due to their higher levels of residual white blood cells. Irradiated red blood cells are designed to prevent transfusion-associated