Leukocyte‐poor red blood cells prepared by the addition and removal of glycerol from red blood cell concentrates stores at 4 C

Glycerol was added to and removed from red blood cells to prepare red blood cells free of white blood cells, platelets, and plasma protein. The red blood cells were stored in the primary polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic collection bag for up to eight days. Red blood cell concentrates not treated with glycerol were washed either within four to six hours of collection or after seven days of storage at 4 C. Red blood cells mixed with glycerol were either washed immediately after addition or were equilibrated for 15 minutes at room temperature before washing. Leukocyte removal was influenced by the length of storage of the red blood cell concentrate at 4 C after collection and by the equilibration of the red blood cell‐glycerol mixture prior to washing. The greatest number of leukocyte was removed when red blood cell concentrates were stored at 4 C for at least five days, mixed with glycerol solution, and the red blood cell‐glycerol mixture equilibrated for 15 minutes before washing the Haemonetics Blood Processor 115. Leukocyte‐poor red blood cells prepared by this procedure have been shown to be safe and effective in eliminating febrile transfusion reactions.