EFFECT OF IRRADIATION AND LEUKOCYTE FILTRATION ON RED CELL TRANSFUSION FOR PREMATURE INFANTS IN AN INCUBATOR

Abstract

We investigated the effect of irradiation and leukocyte filtration on red cells in MAP solution (RC-MAP) for premature infants.
RC-MAPs were stored for 3 or 7 days and pretreated with 15-Gy irradiation and a leukocyte depletion filter, with either the irradiation or filtration performed first. Infusion was performed using an infusion pump for 8hr at a speed of 2ml/hr through a 4-ml, 100-cm tube and a 24G needle passing into an infant incubator warmed to 34°C.
Free hemoglobin concentration in the supernatant of tested RC-MAP stored 7 days and irradiated after filtration was increased to the maximum level of 42.6mg/dl.
Potassium ion level in the supernatants and ATP and 2, 3-DPG concentration in red cells from tested RC-MAP were similar to pretreated values. Maximum potassium ion level was increased to 23.5mEq/l.
Our results showed that both irradiation and filtration against RC-MAP solutions stored for 3 or 7 days is safe for use with premature infants in warmed incubators. However, further investigation is necessary to clarify the risk of bacterial contamination in such transfusion situations.