Leukoreduction

Under the leukocyte depletion ( from Ancient Greek λευκός leukos "white", ancient Greek κύτος CYTOS " hollow ", " vessel ", "shell" and lat deplere " empty " ) refers to the removal of leukocytes from blood products prior to transfusion.

Since October 1, 2001 only those whole blood preparations, red blood cell concentrates and platelet concentrates are placed on the market in the Federal Republic of Germany on the orders of the Paul- Ehrlich- Institute ( federal authority ), the leukocyte content of less than 1 million per unit ( stored blood ). The leukocyte depletion is carried out before the storage of the whole blood, packed red cells and platelet concentrates with a suitable method.

Transfusion related incidents can be further reduced. Leukocytes also suspected to be involved in the transmission of variant Creutzfeldt -Jakob disease ( nvCJD ), so that in this case, a transfer could be avoided.