Neil Blumberg: Why Washed Red Cell and Platelet Transfusions Deserve More Attention
Neil Blumberg, Professor, Director of Transfusion Medicine/Blood Bank at University of Rochester Medical Center, shared a post on LinkedIn, about a recent article he and his colleagues co-authored, published in Transfusion and Apheresis Science, adding:
“An underutilized and underappreciated modification of red cell and platelet transfusions, which mitigates almost all transfusion toxicity and improves clinical outcomes is washing with crystalloid.
This can be done manually or by automated methods.
The preferred crystalloid is Plasmalyte for red cells and platelet additive solution for platelets.
Washing away stored supernatant immediately prior to transfusion reduces inflammation, immunomodulation, febrile and allergic reactions, TACO, TRALI and hyperkalemia.
Randomized trials show improved survival in younger, lower risk acute leukemia patients and reduced inflammation in pediatric cardiac surgery as examples.
We’ve reviewed the literature on this uncommonly used approach to transfusion.”
Title: The case for washing red blood cells and platelets – A concise review of donors, processes, and products
Authors: Phuong-Lan Nguyen, Akua Asante, Majed Refaai, Deb Masel, Neil Blumberg
Stay updated on all scientific advances with Hemostasis Today.
-
Sep 25, 2026, 10:49Shefina S: From Presenting to Hosting at TRANSCON 2026
-
Sep 25, 2026, 10:37Michelle Leona Cecil: Hemophilia Advocacy and the Power of Community
-
Sep 25, 2026, 10:13Michael Baria: Platelet Concentration and PRP Outcomes in Partial Rotator Cuff Tears
-
Sep 25, 2026, 09:49Haley Coleman: Volunteering to Support Hemophilia Awareness
-
Sep 25, 2026, 08:55Hitarth Mehta: BHMS Students Gain Practical Exposure to Haemophilia Diagnosis
-
Sep 25, 2026, 07:25Varun Capoor: How Therapeutic Apheresis and Transfusion Medicine Can Complement Clinical Management in SCD
-
Sep 25, 2026, 07:14Manshi Kesharwani: SAK-GQDs Modulate Thrombus Burden and Endothelial Function in Deep Vein Thrombosis
-
Sep 25, 2026, 06:20Farjah Hassan Algahtani: How Can We Better Identify Patients at Risk of Blood Clots after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery?
-
Sep 25, 2026, 05:59Carla Lewis: Kids Conquering Sickle Disease Joins Nemours Children’s Hospital for 2nd Annual Awareness Event