Red cells are washed to remove the majority of unwanted plasma proteins, antibodies and electrolytes.
There is some loss of red cells during processing.
When should I use this modification?
The following groups of patients should receive washed components:
- patients with reactions to transfused plasma proteins (eg patients who have IgA deficiency and antibodies to IgA)
- multi-transfused patients with severe recurrent febrile, urticarial and possible anaphylactic reactions
- patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria who experience reactions despite receiving group-specific leucocyte depleted fresh red cells
- rarely, patients with T-activation when units from donors with low anti-T titres are not available
- patients with severe autoimmune haemolytic anaemia where excess complement may worsen red cell destruction.