How does leukoreduction reduce fever reactions after transfusion?

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Blood transfusion — blood transfusion Depiction of a direct blood transfusion performed in 1882.

Leukoreduction reduces fever (febrile) reactions by removing white blood cells (leukocytes) from blood components before they are transfused.1

Patients who receive multiple transfusions may develop antibodies against donor leukocyte antigens. When these patients receive subsequent transfusions, their immune system reacts to the donor white blood cells, which can trigger a brisk febrile reaction. By using leukoreduced blood components, these donor antigens are removed, thereby preventing the immune system from mounting the response that leads to fever.21