leukocyte-poor red blood cell

Leukocyte-poor red blood cells are a component of blood transfusions where white blood cells (leukocytes) are removed from packed red blood cells. This process, known as leukoreduction, is done to prevent febrile reactions in patients who have experienced them previously, likely due to white blood cell antigens.1

Removing leukocytes also may decrease the risk of transmitting certain viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, and reduce the chance of immunization to white blood cells and platelet antigens. This type of transfusion is used when specific blood components are needed, rather than whole blood. Red blood cells themselves are crucial for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs.123