granulocytes (neutrophils) in blood transfusion

Last reviewed 01/2018

granulocytes

Although clinical effectiveness of granulocytes (neutrophils) is debatable, it may be considered in patients with life-threatening soft tissue or organ infection with bacteria or fungi and low neutrophil counts, usually in the setting of severe, prolonged neutropenia after cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Two main granulocyte-rich components are used for transfusion:                                  

  • buffy coats derived from whole blood donations 
  • granulocytes collected by apheresis from individual donor

Granulocyte components must be ABO and RhD compatible and crossmatched with the recipient since it contains red cells (1)

Reference: