Effect of microaggregate blood filtration on granulocyte concentrates in vitro

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Abstract
To determine the effect of transfusing graunlocyte concentrates through microaggregate blood filters, granulocytes prepared with a cell processor were passed through screen and depth microaggregate filters. Pre- and postfiltration evaluations were made of total granulocyte count, levels of muramidase, granulocyte viability, motility, phagocytosis, bactericidal activity and H2O2-forming capacity. Compared to prefiltration levels, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in postfiltration granulocyte counts was seen for all the depth filters studied but not for the standard 170 .mu.m (control) or the 40 .mu.m screen filter. For the various tests of granulocyte function evaluated prefiltration, no significant postfiltration differences (P < 0.05) were seen for any of the filters studied. Screen microaggregate filters retained only 1-3% of granulocytes contained in the concentrates, and appear satisfactory for use in clinical transfusions. The large percentage of neutrophils retained by the depth filters (20-62%) precludes their use for transfusion of granulocyte concentrates.