Leukoreduction

Leukoreduction (pronounced: loo-koh-ree-DUK-shun) is a medical procedure that reduces the number of white blood cells (Leukocytes) in a blood sample. The term is derived from the Greek words "leuko-" meaning "white" and "reduction" meaning "to bring down".

Procedure

Leukoreduction is typically performed on blood that is intended for transfusion. The process involves passing the blood through a filter that removes the white blood cells. This is done to prevent certain complications that can occur when a patient receives a blood transfusion that contains a high number of white blood cells.

Benefits

The main benefit of leukoreduction is that it can help to prevent transfusion reactions, which can occur when the recipient's immune system reacts against the white blood cells in the donated blood. Leukoreduction can also help to prevent febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions, which are a common type of transfusion reaction.

Risks

While leukoreduction can help to prevent certain complications, it is not without risks. The process can potentially damage the red blood cells in the blood, which can lead to hemolysis. In addition, leukoreduction does not remove all white blood cells, so there is still a risk of a transfusion reaction.

Related Terms

Leukocytes: White blood cells, which are part of the immune system.
Transfusion Reaction: A reaction that occurs when the recipient's immune system reacts against the blood that they have been transfused with.
Febrile Non-Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction: A common type of transfusion reaction that is characterized by fever and chills.
Hemolysis: The destruction of red blood cells.