Gamma irradiation for red cell M. A. P (RC-MAP) is used to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. In this study, we examined changes in supernatant potassium, hemoglobin concentrations and red cell ATP values in irradiated RC-MAP filtered through a bedside filter.
RC-MAP was stored under usual conditions for seven days after γ-ray irradiation with 137Cs with an IBL 437C-III (CIS Bio International). Irradiated RC-MAP was filtered through a bedside filter (Sepacell RZ-200A-W) in vitro at a flow rate of 5ml per minute. Although supernatant hemoglobin concentrations were significantly increased by filtration, no difference was observed between the nonirradiated controls and irradiated units in the rate of increase.
There were no significant changes in supernatant potassium concentration or red cell ATP value by filtration. Irradiation had no effect on leukocyte reduction rate or red cell and platelet recovery rate. The number of residual leucocytes after filtration was reduced to 103 cells/bag level in all cases.
