The effect of blood product preparation method on the transfusion reaction rate

Aim: In the past decade, certain changes were introduced in the production of blood elements which are used in the Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb. The majority of changes are related to the semi-automatic method of production and filtration of blood elements. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of implementation of universal leukofiltration of blood elements produced by semi-automatic method on the appearance of transfusion reactions. Materials and methods: A three-year period has been retrospectively analyzed before and after the implementation of change in the production method of blood elements with regards to transfused doses and reported reactions. Data for analysis were obtained from databases and original report forms. Results: The pooled odds ratio (OR) of the reaction to red blood cells was 2.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.89-3.19; p=0.001 suggesting significant higher reaction rates in the period before the implementation of change in the production method of blood elementsThe number of reported allergic reactions (OR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.40-4.50; p=0.002) and febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (OR 3.97; 95% CI: 2.64-5.99; p=0.001) to red blood cell significantly decreased in the period after implementation of universal leukofiltration of the blood elements which are produced by semi-automatic method. In addition, the platelet components difference in the reaction rates was significant (OR 4.32; 95% CI: 3.21-5.82; p=0.001). Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction significantly decreased in the period after the implementation of change Dopisni autor: Ivica Matić, mag. med. techn. Škola za medicinske sestre Mlinarska 34, 10 000 Zagreb e-mail: ivica.matic3@skole.