Introduction: Non haemolytic febrile transfusion reactions can be prevented by leucodepletion. In spite of effective leucodepletion, presence of platelet derived cytokines will limit the lifespan of platelets. Objective: To analyse the effect of pre storage leuco reduction by using clinical and laboratory parameters on packed cells and platelets. Materials and methods: 250 units of packed cells and 250 units of platelet concentrates which were prepared by TACE (quadruple bags were included for the study. Pre leucocyte count was done by automated cell counter and neubauer chamber. After separation of packed cells and platelets, post leukocyte count was done. As the number of cells was too low in platelet concentrate, Nagotte chamber was used for counting cells. After transfusion, occurrence of NHTFR was watched for and increment of haemoglobin was noted whenever possible. Results: The leucoreduction was in the range of 45% to 80% in packed cell preparation and 98-99.7% in platelet preparation. The reduction in platelet was achieved irrespective of the level of reduction in the packed cell concentrate. However no incidence of NHTFR was noted in n 500 transfusions up followed up in both packed cells and platelet concentrate. Conclusions: Reduction of residual leucocytes is important in the preparation of blood components. Utilisation of new generation filters or leuco depletion processes with better performance characteristics may help to reduce specific leukocyte subsets as well as activation of inflammatory system such as cytokines, which will improve the quality of the component prepared.  

Keywords: Packed cells; Platelet concentrate; Leucoreduction; Blood components.