The flowcytometric study of leukocyte subpopulation in whole blood prior and after Prestorage filter leukodepletion

Background and objectives White blood cells (WBCs) are present in all cellular blood components which are prepared by standard techniques. Studies have shown that leucocytes can cause a variety of side effects after transfusion. Clinical reactions may be attributed to specific leucocyte subsets. Leukodepletion filters reduce leucocytes and some of their adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate leucocyte subpopulations in whole blood prior and after Prestorage filter leukodepletion; it was performed in Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, different leukocyte subpopulations in whole blood were identified and quantified before and after filtration in a blood collection system having integral whole blood filtration (Baxter Fenwal, USA) equipped with RZ 2000 (Asahi, Japan) filters. Leucocytes were analysed by flowcytometry with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD45, CD19, CD3, CD14 and CD13. Statistical analysis was performed through SPSS software. Results Leukodepletion by this type of filter reduced the leukocyte load by 2.8 log 10 on average. The proportion of PMNs (CD13+) and monocytes (CD14+) to total number of leucocytes (CD45+) significantly reduced, but that of CD3+ and CD19+ cells showed no considerable differences before and after filtration. Conclusions This type of filter caused difference in leucocyte subset distribution after filtration. It appears that these distributions were cell size dependent. Filtration also reduced the absolute number of WBCs significantly.