Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cell, Washed)

What it is and how it works

Red cell concentrates are prepared from donated whole blood or by apheresis, with most plasma removed and usually suspended in an additive solution; they may be leucodepleted, irradiated or washed. Transfused red cells increase haemoglobin concentration and oxygen-carrying capacity.

Indications

Treatment of symptomatic anaemia and acute blood loss where oxygen delivery is inadequate, according to transfusion thresholds and clinical guidelines; exchange transfusion and chronic transfusion programmes (e.g. thalassaemia, sickle cell disease).

Dosage and administration (summary)

Dosing is individualised by the treating physician according to clinical condition, haemoglobin level and transfusion protocol; in adults one unit typically raises haemoglobin by about 10 g/L.

Contraindications

Not to be used when anaemia can be corrected by specific therapy (e.g. iron, vitamin B12, folate) without risk; transfusion must be ABO/RhD compatible and cross-matched.

Warnings and precautions

Serious risks include acute haemolytic reactions from ABO incompatibility, transfusion-associated circulatory overload, transfusion-related acute lung injury, allergic and febrile reactions, bacterial contamination and, rarely, transmission of infections. Strict patient identification and bedside checks are mandatory, and repeated transfusion can cause iron overload and alloimmunisation.

Pregnancy

May be transfused in pregnancy when indicated; RhD- and K-compatible, CMV-safe units are preferred.

Storage and supply

Store at 2–6 °C in a monitored blood refrigerator; transfuse within the time limits set by transfusion guidelines once removed from controlled storage.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.