New research says that removal of leukocytes in blood could promote a better transfusion. Leukocytes are white blood cells in the immune system that help fight off foreign substances in the body, such as bacteria and viruses. Leukocytes are catered to the individual's body. This can cause reverse reactions in blood recipients, such as chills and shaking.
Right now, doctors decide if a patient should receive leukoreduced blood. Foreign leukocytes in the blood are not at all life threatening, but experts are agreeing that filtered blood supplies would be much safer for patients. Jacquelyn Frederick, executive vice president of American Red Cross Biomedical Services, says that her organization now filters 77 percent of its supply and is in the process of converting to 100 percent leukoreduction.
The blood filtration processes will cost money and lots of it, an additional $15-$30 per unit. Some hospitals are saying that they can't afford to do it as they are trying to cut back on costs now.
There are 23 countries that are now moving towards this new filtration process, among those are Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Japan, and New Zealand.
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