Abstract
Blood for exchange transfusion-Leukocytes Reduced, 'Nisseki' (BET-LR) is mainly used in emergencies for exchange transfusion in cases of neonatal hemolytic disease. However, recent consolidation of blood centers by the Japanese Red Cross may prolong the transportation time to hospitals, resulting in the expiration or reduction in validity of BET-LR.
Currently, we use a cooling centrifuge with a large-volume capacity, to which hospitals rarely have access, to prepare BET-LR. This limited access is considered to make it difficult for hospitals other than blood centers to prepare BET-LR independently.
We developed a simple method of preparing BET-LR with a quality equivalent to that of BET-LR and at 1/3 volume (reconstituted blood for exchange transfusion, R-BET). We were able to prepare R-BET outside of a clean room using a compact table-top centrifuge. Further, we were able to raise the hematocrit relatively easily by changing the volume of red cells concentrates-Leukocytes Reduced, 'Nisseki' (RCC-LR) and fresh frozen plasma-Leukocytes Reduced, 'Nisseki' (FFP-LR) to 55%.
The quality of the resulting R-BET was equivalent to that of BET-LR.
Our method of preparing R-BET is feasible for practical use, particularly during emergencies in hospitals.
